I.S.A.R. Germany in action in the Philippines: Emergency medical aid after Typhoon Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan hits the Philippines on 8 November 2013. Around 15 million people are affected. 4.1 million people are homeless. A further 1.2 million homes are partially destroyed. The infrastructure in many parts of the country is in ruins. Medical care can no longer be guaranteed everywhere. I.S.A.R. Germany therefore decided to send a medical team to the disaster region. The first 24 men and women, mainly doctors, intensive care nurses, paramedics and paramedics, set off.

Medical equipment for the treatment of 30,000 patients

In their luggage are "emergency health" and "trauma kits", which are packed according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Surgical interventions, the fixation of fractures, the treatment of wound infections or dehydration are all possible. The medicines also ensure basic medical care for around 30,000 patients for 30 days. During the Philippines mission, the I.S.A.R. Germany medical team treated around 2,400 patients in twelve days. The team has since been replaced, meaning that a total of 39 I.S.A.R. helpers were active in the Philippines.

Help reaches those affected in a "targeted" manner

I.S.A.R. President Dr Daniela Lesmeister thanked her team for their efforts. "The aid reached the people in the Philippines quickly and purposefully - where it was most urgently needed." She also thanked the many donors. Without the financial support, such missions would not be possible.

The mission in the Philippines was supported by numerous partners. Lufthansa, for example, provided uncomplicated personnel transport. In Manila, the I.S.A.R. team was supported by the Lufthansa Technik team. In cooperation with the organisation "Apotheker helfen", seven tonnes of relief supplies were brought to the disaster area, including medicines, medical equipment and high-calorie food for infants and children.

But even after the acute emergency aid, we are still on site today. Today, I.S.A.R. Germany is supporting the Philippines on the island of Leyte with reconstruction in the areas of education and health.