Emergencies

In 2009, Islamic Relief responded to a number of emergencies including Cyclone Aila in Bangladesh, the Gaza conflict, the Sumatra earthquake, and fighting in northwest Pakistan and in northern Yemen. We also continued our emergency response work with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and those affected by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. Throughout 2009, we worked to increase our capacity to respond quickly to disasters, and in the Gaza Strip we began distributing aid within hours of the outbreak of conflict. In Bangladesh, we ensured our disaster-response work included building the resilience of communities to deal with future emergencies.

Emergency medical care in Pakistan

Thirty-year-old Abdul Khaliq fled his home in Swat in June 2009 when his village was attacked. He and 16 members of his family sought refuge with a family in Char Gulli, Mardan, where they lived in one room. Abdul Khaliq and his son, Yaar Zameen, received free medical care at Islamic Relief’s Basic Health Unit in Char Gulli.

“My three-year-old son Yaar Zameen was sick and I wasn’t well either but I didn’t know how I could afford any medical care, as I have no money,” said Abdul Khaliq. “Then someone told me about the free medical care that Islamic Relief gives so I went to their health centre with my son.

“We both got proper medical treatment and we were given everything for free. The Islamic Relief team was so friendly, and the free medical service has helped a lot to improve our situation. At least I won’t have to worry about our medical needs while we’re living here."

Islamic Relief’s medical teams provided antenatal and postnatal healthcare, out-patient services, vaccinations for children, and mental health support, as well as a 24-hour ambulance service taking people to hospital.