Weeks after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, most of the affected people still lack food, clean water, and basic medical services. Over seven million people have been hit hard by the cyclone, and government restrictions on aid haven't helped very much.
Despite the limitations, many organizations already have people on the ground in Myanmar's affected areas. They can't act alone, though - they need your help. Please click on one or more of the websites listed below to do your share for the people of Myanmar.
Donate freely to one of the organizations listed below, and help those who are risking their lives to help others.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is composed of medical professionals who deliver emergency aid to communities caught in the midst of war or disaster. 35 MSF team members are now in the Irrawaddy Delta, distributing food and medical care. MSF has fed more than 2,000 people in one district, performed medical consultations in pagodas and schools, and rehabilitated latrines and water facilities.
Merlin is a British charity specializing in health care and medical relief for war or disaster victims without access to much-needed medical care. Merlin has commandeered a river cruiser to help deliver aid to affected people in the Irrawaddy Delta. In Laputta township, Merlin teams are providing much-needed emergency health care.
Operation USA is a humanitarian organization with a special focus on children and other vulnerable individuals in the middle of disaster. Operation USA is currently on the ground in Myanmar, providing temporary shelter, water purification chemicals, and medical supplies. Checks can be sent to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave., Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232, or with a credit card by calling 1-800-678-7255.
Save the Children is an international organization that was founded in 1919 to help children in need worldwide. 63,000 people in the urban townships around Rangoon are now benefiting from Save the Children's charity efforts. 1,000 bags of rice, 20 rolls of tarpaulin, and massive amounts of sugar and salt have been distributed. SC-UK has distributed food, plastic tarpaulins, water purification tablets, and rehydration salts to 50,000 people in the affected regions.
ShelterBox is a unique Australian care package containing 10 thermal blankets, a 10-person dome tent, and survival equipment. The ShelterBox people have already deployed their shipment in Myanmar.
UNICEF is already in Myanmar, focusing its efforts on delivering safe drinking water to affected communities. Relief supplies delivered include oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets, essential medicines, and first aid kits.
The UUSC has joined with the Unitarian Universalist Association to launch humanitarian relief efforts in Myanmar.
World Relief is a Christian aid group associated with the National Association of Evangelicals. In partnership with the Global Relief Alliance, World Relief is bringing aid to affected communities in Myanmar.
World Vision is a Christian relief organization with the stated aim of following Jesus’ ministry to the poor and oppressed. World Vision is well-placed to help in Myanmar, with more than 500 staff in the country. Almost 78,000 people in the Yangon area have benefited from World Vision’s charity.
