Two months have now passed since the first earthquake struck the Turkish Syrian border, but the emergency is not over.
The earthquakes have left extreme destruction, taking lives, homes and livelihoods. It has left many survivors facing serious health issues, from post-traumatic stress disorder to crush syndrome and amputations. The tremors have also been relentless, with our partners reporting recently that they still feel them everyday – even children in nursery are not allowed to take naps for fear of another earthquake. Every aspect of life has been affected.
Our partners’ commitment to their communities, however, remains just as relentless. In such a devastating situation, they continue to work tirelessly to provide those in need with the healthcare and resources they need to stay safe and well. We are so proud to be able to support them in this.
So far, our earthquake appeal has allowed us to fund three of our long-term partners’ earthquake response programmes; (Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), Physicians Across Continents (PAC), SAWA for Development & Aid (SAWA). These funds have been used for over 4,627 dialysis kits for earthquake victims suffering from crush syndrome, over 3,000 breast milk substitutes for orphaned babies, or mothers unable to breastfeed, cash assistance for 280 families, as well as medication and other equipment needed by doctors. Alongside this, we’ve also been able to continue supporting a Primary Health Clinic, run by SAMS. Even before the earthquake, this clinic was essential, as it provided healthcare in Tel Abyad, in Syria, where otherwise most people would have none. Now, with the displacement caused by the earthquake, many Syrians who were living in Turkey are returning to Syria. This means a drastically increased demand on our partners services, and one that we are so proud to help them meet.
None of this would be possible without the support of people like you. Thank you.
If you haven’t already, please donate to our Emergency Earthquake Appeal, and share it with family and friends.
Thank you.
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