Order of Malta Worldwide Relief--Malteser International Americas | Programs: Our Programs: Emergency Relief and Disaster Preparedness

Programs: Disaster Preparedness

Myanmar -- Water tank means safe times during disaster

Myanmar---This village double tab tank
guarantees safe water in times of disaster

The rise in number of natural disasters, some of them closely linked to climate change, calls us to increase our efforts in disaster preparedness activities, especially on a community level. We strive to mainstream disaster preparedness elements such as risk analysis, training, coordination and planning with local partners in our ‘traditional’ programs.

Safe Havens For Clean Drinking Water

Myanmar is often hit by natural disasters: i.e., the tsunami in December 2004 affected the country, cyclones and other storms are frequent. The Rakhine State is especially prone to natural disasters. Due to their extreme poverty and enormous vulnerability, the people living in this region are not able to cope with natural disasters sufficiently. So, Malteser International is implementing community-based disaster relief programs. The main goal is to reduce the number of diseases and deaths after a natural disaster. Malteser International together with the population of the coastal area is building tapping of springs, barrages and so called "safe havens" to guarantee safe drinking water for the community in times of disasters.

Rehabilitation of Water Sources

Malteser International is rehabilitating rain water ponds to save springs from contamination and providing rain water harvesting tanks for schools and households. In addition, the organisation is building latrines in health centres and schools and rehabilitating sanitation systems as well as compost systems and recycling facilities to ensure an efficient sanitation system and waste management to prevent diseases in daily life but also and especially in times of disasters.

Malteser International is working in Myanmar since 2001. The organisation implements a large health care program including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, tuberculosis and malaria programs, vaccination campaigns as well as water, sanitation and hygiene programs.