In the aftermath of a disaster, people with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable groups, says The Leprosy Mission, one of the few organisations with an ongoing presence in Burma.As well as being traumatised, those with physical and sensory impairments are often unaware of the relief and rehabilitation services available and are unable to access them.
With initial funding The Leprosy Mission has already begun locating and providing emergency relief to people with disabilities. However, in order to expand the work and provide continuing assistance more money is needed to fund the project.
The Leprosy Mission intends to use its experience in leprosy and disability work to rebuild the lives of more than 1,500 people with disabilities, living in the delta and Yangon regions, who have been severely affected by the cyclone.
Dr Griffiths, The Leprosy Mission’s country co-ordinator for Burma, stresses the importance of supporting people into rehabilitation as quickly as possible, saying this process should start immediately “to reduce risk of disease outbreak”.
Existing facilities for disabled people (including residential and training centres for adults and children) have been severely damaged, placing large numbers of vulnerable people at risk. The Leprosy Mission’s project will restore these facilities and repair or replace disability aids.
The charity will also work to repair/ reinstall community livelihood equipment (eg grain mills and transport) and rebuild people’s houses to re-establish long-term sustainability. The Leprosy Mission will also operate a referral service for international and local NGOs operating in affected areas to support people with disabilities to access relief and development assistance.
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