Flooding in Nicaragua

During the last week of June, a tropical wave produced heavy rains in Nicaragua, causing floods and extensive damage, particularly in the Autonomous Departments of the North and South along the country’s eastern Atlantic coast and in the Department of Matagalpa, all of which were declared to be in a state of emergency. At least 25 people died and more than 3,000 families were affected. A PAHO health team in Nicaragua carried out three assessment missions to the affected areas with the Ministry of Health to evaluate the impact of the floods. Among the greatest needs in the health sector were: medicines and medical supplies to meet needs for a three-month period; basic sanitation and potable water (portable chlorine generating equipment, plastic containers to store drinking water, multifamily latrines and household water filters); vector control and the ability to mobilize health brigades to meet the needs of the affected population.

Mobile Emergency Care Service
in Brazil

The president of Brazil has signed a decree creating a Mobile Emergency Care Service, known as SAMU/192. SAMU/192 is a Ministry of Health service that forms part of the Brazilian government’s Emergency Care National Policy. The system was created to reduce deaths, the length of hospital stays and the consequences of a delayed response. By the end of 2004, this service is expected to reach 118 million people in 1,700 municipalities. To achieve this goal the Ministry of Health of Brazil will invest US$100 million to set up 132 SAMU/192 Centers and purchase 1,480 basic ambulances and intensive care mobile units. More information on SAMU/192 at: http://dtr2001.saude.gov.br/samu/index.htm