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MSF opens new medical clinic in Meulaboh Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has installed a new medical clinic in the Samatiga district of Meulaboh. Meulaboh, situated on the western coast of Aceh, is one of the areas worst affected by the tsunami of 26 December 2004. The clinic has been specially designed by MSF to be rapid to assemble in emergency situations, having previously been used during the conflict in Kosovo. As Philippe Dufrasne, one of the designers who is currently in Meulaboh, explains, "this clinic contains four separate consultation rooms as well as being fitted with all necessary equipment. It is a solid facility which can be erected and fully functional within 48 hours: this means that we can provide the quality of a building in almost the time it takes to install a tent." MSF first arrived in Meulaboh within days of the tsunami and carried out numerous medical assessments in the area. Due to the fact that the original health clinic was completely destroyed, Samatiga was identified as requiring urgent medical assistance. "Unfortunately many of the health staff also perished in the disaster," explains Maria-Theresa de Magalesh Vilhena, MSF co-ordinator for Meulaboh. "But MSF will provide the necessary staff, for both medical and mental health needs, for as long as is required. Even in the medium to long-term." Currently in Meulaboh, MSF is also providing medical and psychological support in two other health centres, with mobile teams paying regular visits to six locations. Teams are also supporting the Meulaboh hospital, in addition to improving water and sanitation in the district. Since the tsunami, MSF has also distributed items including 3000 tents, 6000 jerry cans, 15000 bars of soap, 3000 plastic sheets, 6000 mosquito nets and 30km of rope to over 3000 people in the area. With over 250 local and international staff, since December 26th, MSF has brought assistance in terms of medical care, mental health, water and sanitation as well as distribution of essential items, to locations including Banda Aceh, Sigli, Lamno, Meulaboh, Simeulue island and Lhokseumawe. "MSF is in the process of adapting our projects following the immediate
emergency phase, with particular focus on mental health," concludes Vilhena.
"Even six weeks after the tsunami, the needs in Aceh remain significant." » Read about other featured projects
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