Indonesia
Situation Report
On December 26, 2004, the most powerful earthquake in 40 years shook the Indian Ocean and created a tsunami that crashed ashore in nearly a dozen countries. Hundreds of thousands of died.
In Aceh Province, on the northern tip of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, the tsunami killed 163,000 and displaced between 400,000 - 700,000 people. In addition to the lives lost, the tsunami effectively destroyed much of Aceh’s infrastructure, including health and social services.
Our Work
Medical Teams International sent 40 medical teams to Indonesia immediately following the 2004 tsunami. We transitioned our programs from Disaster Response to Development in 2006, after health assessments revealed a huge need for health-focused programs.
We established a field office in Medan, Indonesia, and launched community health projects in Aceh Province and Nias Island. Health assessments revealed great health needs in both communities. Our projects build health infrastructure, improve maternal and child health, implement Child Survival strategies and implement water and sanitation projects.
We have sent dental teams to provide direct care for patients in our project communities since 2007. Veteran volunteers report the oral health status in the commnunities where we work is the worst they have ever experienced.
Future Plans
We'll continue to implement community health and water & sanitation projects this year. The Nias Child Survival project aims to improve the health of more than 10,000 children under 5 and 17,000 women of reproductive age. Our health promoters are working to deliver immunizations, nutrition training, control diarrheal disease and are addressing water and sanitation issues.
We will send 3 volunteer teams to Indonesia to support our programs this year.
Our Partners
Medical Teams International partners with many local and international partners to carry out its programs in Indonesia. We are currently seeking registration through the Indonesian Ministry of Health. Most efforts are facilitated through the Aceh Province Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Nias Seletan District Health Office. Medical Teams International is committed to assisting the MoH with reconstruction, direct care, training and community health programs. We also coordinate with local community-based organizations and churches.
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