- One million homeless.
- More than 34,000 dead according to the Burmese state media, although international agencies estimate the number could be nearer 100,000.
- Other reports estimate approximately 40% of those affected are children.

Statistics, such as these, are being published extensively, and on a daily basis, by media around the world. But how are people with disabilities coping with the after effects of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Burma on Saturday 3^rd May? Although there are no exact figures, there are estimated to be around two million people in Burma with a general physical disability. Around 90,000 of these are persons with disabilities caused by leprosy, mostly related to loss of use of eyes, hands and feet. The Cyclone disabled more individuals and damaged some institutions for the disabled. Who makes sure they have access to relief and rehabilitation interventions?

How many survive such a devastating natural disaster is determined by how quickly relief can reach those struggling in very difficult conditions. Non-governmental workers based in Burma are co-operating closely and mobilising support and offering much needed help to many who desperately need it.

ILEP Member, The Leprosy Mission International, has its honorary representative Mike Griffiths on the ground in Myanmar. There he is busily setting up a referral service for all international non-governmental organisations, local organisations and concerned persons operating in affected areas. Support will be given in partnership with the Yangon Disability Resource Centre, Outreach Disability Resource Centre and the Myanmar Disabled Peoples’ Organisation. Any organisation or individual will be able to seek their advice and assistance to enable disabled persons to benefit from relief and development assistance.

Mike Griffiths reports that their projects have not been affected. Most of their volunteers are accounted for, and are ok. He tells us that the situation in Yangon is becoming very difficult, with water and food shortages, and as yet few communications - although recently this has improved in some central areas. American Leprosy Missions is still waiting for news from its Representative, who resides in that city. This agency, also a Member of ILEP, sent out an emergency appeal to its donors on 7^th May. “We don’t intend to be involved in early relief efforts, but we do intend to collect funds to be used for development and recovery which will go on for months and even years,” said Mr Chris Doyle, their President. “Many people affected with leprosy have certainly been hurt by this devastating storm and we want to help, both in the short- and long-term”.

Other key activities The Leprosy Mission International proposes to undertake are:

• to provide skilled staff and materials for special intervention for disabled persons affected by Cyclone Nargis (this includes physical rehabilitation, mobility assistance, home adaptation and community adaptations);
• to prepare information and educational materials for affected disabled persons in audio and Braille;
• to offer Immediate and necessary special relief;
• to restore services at institutions for disabled persons; and   
• to co-ordinate, monitor and offer support in the region.

According to Mike Griffiths, The Leprosy Mission will work with the Department of Social Welfare (DSW), the Myanmar Disabled Peoples’ Organisation (MDPO) and the Disabled Resource Centres to implement these projects.

The Leprosy Mission’s strategic goal of the period 2007-2012 is to be a leading voice in Myanmar in addressing the needs of those socially excluded by physical disability (both leprosy and non-leprosy related) or by stigmatisation. Much effort will be put into local aid and development, specific advocacy and research into disability and stigma.

Category: Field Activities, International Collaboration