Even before disaster struck in the form of Cyclone Nargis on May 2, 2008, Burma’s Irrawaddy Delta was an inaccessible region with a poor infrastructure and inadequate medical care.

In July 2008 a floating clinic operated by the Amara Foundation arrived in the isolated Pyapon, Dedaye and Bogale districts and within four months succeeded in providing basic medical care to more than 9,000 people in 55 villages. The boat is manned by trained medical staff and carries not only medicines but also equipment for food preparation, water tanks, hygiene articles, tarpaulins and tents.

The plan is to replace this mobile clinic by the end of 2009 with a permanent center in the delta that will provide information on AIDS, hygiene and nutrition as well as medical care. Global Care is to fund the construction of the new clinic.

The Amara Foundation was set up in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone to offer victims rapid and effective assistance that was not politically motivated. In July 2008 Amara received the official approval of the Burmese government for its humanitarian activities in the delta. In addition to providing emergency medical aid, the foundation also supports the reintroduction of agricultural production and the construction of schools. Amara is in a position to make use of structures within the country as the head of the organization is director of a Myanmar travel agency.

The mobile clinic at its moorings.

Claire Schreiber (Amara Foundation) explains things to the delta inhabitants.