World Vision Opens Health Posts for Jakarta Flood Victims

World Vision Indonesia recently opened additional health posts to help serve affected flood victims in east and north Jakarta.

Last week, over half of Jakarta still remained under water since the worst floods in the city's modern history, but now the waters in Jakarta's flood-ridden areas are finally receding.

Communities and city officials are currently working side by side to clear the debris and sludge from homes, roads and buildings.

But while the immediate danger from flood waters has finally gone, authorities now say water-borne diseases pose the biggest threat, especially for children.

"On Saturday, we started five health services at the flooded areas in east Jakarta and north Jakarta," Ronald Gunawan, World Vision's health programme coordinator, said. "These posts served approximately 350 people."

On February 11, World Vision teams added two more locations and treated around 500 people in these seven posts.

"As of Monday, we now have four posts in Cilincing in north Jakarta and four posts in east Jakarta: two in Cipinang Melayu, one in Kampung Tengah and one in Kebon Pala," Ronald explained.

Around 20 doctors and almost 20 nurses/paramedics joined the medical team, mainly volunteers, which also included a World Vision child sponsor.

"The most common illnesses remain acute respiratory infection, diarrhea and skin diseases," said Ronald. "We have also referred several patients to hospitals for more proper treatment, but none of them are in emergency condition."

The free service will operate until 24 February. World Vision Indonesia also plans to continue distributions of vital items, including food and drinking water, flashlights and blankets, to the people of Jakarta who have been left homeless.

World Vision Indonesia has provided several Support Offices, Jakarta's ECHO office and USAID with funding proposals to support the relief programme in operation. ECHO, USAID, World Vision Singapore and World Vision US have committed to support this project.

In addition, World Vision Taiwan and Hong Kong have also shown interest in supporting the relief programme. World Vision Indonesia relief team is preparing further proposals requested by the potential donor agencies and offices.