Mae Tao Clinic

Opening Ceremony for our new Mental Health Centre

elizabeth — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:15:37 +0000

Today we celebrated the official opening of our brand new Mental Health Centre. While Mental Health services have been provided at MTC since 2006, the previous space we had for the department was inadequate. There were no private rooms for confidential counselling, and the room was on the second floor, which meant that clients with mobility issues had difficulties accessing the department. This issue was especially poignant for our prosthetic and amputee support groups. The new space is large, breezy, and has several private rooms for more confidential sessions. The department was designed by our architect, Albert, from Spain, and has no glass in the windows, which is important as some of our patients can lose control, which means glass can be dangerous to have around at times.

We are so happy with this new space, and would like to thank our friends in Western Australia for helping to fund this fantastic new building. The old space has not remained empty for long, our Child Protection staff have moved in and are busy making themselves at home – they are very excited to finally have an office space that is big enough for them to all work together!

Visit our Facebook page to see photos of the opening ceremony.

Visit our Counselling Centre page to learn more about the Mental Health services we provide.

New Volunteer Information Pack

elizabeth — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:37:26 +0000

We’ve just updated our Volunteer page, so if you’ve been accepted for a future medical student placement at Mae Tao Clinice, please take the time to download and read our new Volunteer Information Pack before you arrive. It provides all kinds of information about what your placement will entail, as well as lots of information about getting to Mae Sot, accomodation options and visas.

Umpiem Fire Update #3

elizabeth — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:54:22 +0000

The following information on the recent fire at Umpiem Refugee Camp is from the TBBC website. Please refer to their site if you would like any further information.

This report is based on a report received from our Umphang Field Office on the evening of Saturday 25 February.

Main points

Coordination between Thai authorities, NGOs, UNHCR, refugee and camp committees has been excellent. A joint meeting between NGOs and UNHCR shared information and delegated authority.
The missing child has been found well and was under the care of another family. There have been no major casualties.
On 24 February the refugee community was grateful that the Thai Red Cross and the Deputy Governor of Tak province donated 1,000 bags of Non-food items which inluded blankets, soap, first aid and other hygiene items.
Best estimates now indicate that some 3,000 refugees have been affected. TBBC and the camp committee will verify this number before distributing new ration books.

Food situation

TBBC and IRC have been designated as the focal agencies for food. Any donations of food in kind should be given to these two agencies.
TBBC is working closely with the camp committee, camp warehouse managers and warehouse staff to distribute food rations to the affected families living in seven temporary sites and in relatives’ homes.
TBBC will provide new ration books as soon as the number of families and individuals have been verified.
Until the ration books are redistributed, TBBC is providing six sacks of rice, two tins of cooking oil and 20 sacks of charcoal each day for each of the seven temporary distribution points.
TBBC and the camp committee have set up community kitchens in each of the seven temporary sites. TBBC food rations are being distributed together with extra food donated by other groups.
The Muslim community are responsible for cooking their own food in accordance with their religious restrictions.

Non-Food items

COERR and ADRA have been designated as the focal agencies for Non-Food Items (NFI). Any donations of food in kind should be given to these two agencies.
Stoves are being provided by SVA.
Cooking utencils donated so far seem to be sufficient.
TBBC is distributing the following NFIs:

Item	Quantity Distributed	To be purchased
Blankets	2,682
Mats	2,444
Mosquito Nets	989
Cooking pots	925	773
Plates		2,830
Bowls		1,698
Spoons		2,830
Big spoons		1,132
Plastic drinking cups		2,830
Sarong (mens)	101	-
sarong (womens)	182	-

Shelter

The actual number of buildings burnt seems to be less than first reported, now around 400 (with ~ 600 families affected as more than one family stays in some houses), with another 350 houses which lost roofing to protect their houses.
TBBC now estimates it will cost 12-13 million baht to repare the damage to shelter.
TBBC plans to immediately distribute two plastic sheets, three bamboo poles, 6 metres of rope and 4 metres of wire to each affected household.
On Friday ~ 1,000 bamboo poles were delivered and 1,050 plastic sheets from UNHCR. More bamboo was to arrive over the weekend.

Health/Sanitation

ARC has been designated as the focal agency for Water and Sanitation (Watsan), and AMI for Health.
ARC have distributed mosquito nets, mats, gerry cans, laundry basins, gave hygiene education, and started fixing water pipelines.
ARC will be setting up latrines (should be ready in three days) for the distribution centres, and will be replacing some 600 destroyed toilets.
Supplementary feeding clinics have been set up for pregnant and lactating women.

Umpiem Refugee Camp Fire Update

elizabeth — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:59:25 +0000

The fire that raged through Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp yesterday, just 87kms from Mae Sot, was put out yesterday afternoon, and people are now faced with the difficult task of cleaning up. So far there are no cofirmed reports of any casualties, though many people have burns and cuts that were recieved while fleeing and removing thatch roofing from homes to prevent the fire spreading. Our Emergency Response Team contingent has returned to Mae Sot this morning, although some will head back this afternoon after meetings, to deliver supplies.

As those living in the camp are not allowed to leave, the conditions are currently very cramped as victims of the fire are forced to stay with friends and relatives. It is still unclear how many homes were burned, and it appers the final count will be less than the numbers first predicted. Three mosques and two nursery schools have been destroyed; it is estimated that over 4000 people and at least one third of the camp have been affected. It is currently the cold season here, and Umpiem is located in a particularly cold, hilly area, so those in the camp last night spent a very bitter night sleeping in roofless homes; blankets and warm clothing are currently being sought to help with this problem.

Our Bamboo Children’s Home was unaffected by the fire, and, though currently roof-less, is being used as a temporary shelter for many made homeless by the fire. We have not been informed that any of our children have sustained injuries as a result of the conflagration.

Currently the relief effort is being coordinated by the Thailand-Burma Border Consortium (TBBC), as they have major involvement in all the camps along the border. Donations of all kinds are currently being sought, and this are being coordinated by an Umpiem Fire Relief team that has been established; if you would like to contribute to the relief effort, please visit the relief team’s website here. It has been inspiring to see the community coming together and responding so quickly to this tragedy.

Photo: http://umphiemfirerelief.wordpress.com/

Breaking News – Fire at Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp

elizabeth — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:27:09 +0000

At around 11:30am this morning, a fire broke out at Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp, just 87kms from Mae Sot. So far reports indicate that over one third of the camp has been affected by the blaze with at least 1000 homes, 3 mosques and 2 nursery schools having been burnt, with sections 6,7,8 and 9 being completely destroyed. There is no information available yet as to how the fire began, but high temperatures and windy conditions have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire through the Camp. The majority of buildings in the Camp, particularly the houses, are simple wood, leaf and bamboo structures.

It is estimate that Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp is home to 15,207 refugees. At this stage there are is very little information available regarding injuries or fatalities. As part of the Emergency Assistance Response Team (EART), some Mae Tao Clinic staff have travelled to Umpiem to assist in the relief efforts.

We will update this information as more becomes available.

Sources and more information:

http://karennews.org/2012/02/breaking-news-fire-at-umpiem-mai-refugee-camp-destroys-1000-houses.html/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breaking-news-fire-at-umpiem-mai-refugee-camp-destroys-1000-houses

http://www.tbbc.org

Community Fundraising in Singapore

Mae Tao Clinic — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:31:28 +0000

Thank you to our friends in Singapore for their fundraising efforts on behalf of Agape Orphanage and Learning Center! From February 23 – 26, supporters in Singapore can enjoy the Photography exhibit from Devendra Bisaria.

“Devendra is acutely aware of the stark inequalities that are a part of the Asian social fabric. Once again he is challenging his art to make a difference for those who remain mired in poverty and disadvantage. All sale proceeds (after deducting only the cost of the fame and print) will be donated to worthy causes”.

Please share this with your friends in Singapore, and Thank You to Devendra for supporting our children on the Thai-Burma border.

For details see: A Point of View – Asian Still

Happy Birthday Dr Cynthia!

elizabeth — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:46:16 +0000

Today is Dr Cynthia’s 52nd birthday, so to mark the occasion we held a wonderful celebration at our Children’s Development Centre. There was singing and dancing by our staff and students, speeches from local community members, and of course, a cake!

Dr Cynthia has worked tirelssly over the past 22 years for the displaced Burmese population, so it’s wonderful that we are able to help her celebrate her life and achievements together. Thank you Dr Cynthia, and Happy Birthday!

To see some photo’s of today’s celebration, head over to our facebook page and take a look!

Meet Our Patients

elizabeth — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:54:28 +0000

Visit our new page to read Ma San Aye's story

Take a look at this new page on our website. Here you can meet some of our patients and read their stories.

http://maetaoclinic.org/health-services/our-patients/patient-stories/

Check out this video on the Agape School and Boarding House!

elizabeth — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:07:46 +0000

Morning prayers at Agape School

This video essay provides images and information about one of the migrant schools we support, the Agape school and boarding house. http://www.samihguven.com/video/

The Mae Tao Clinic supports boarding houses similar to Agape, as well as our Bamboo Children’s Home and Children’s Development Centre. 2011 has seen a considerable increase in the number of children in these schools and homes due to the conflict that broke out in November 2010. This increase has put significant pressure on our ability to help fund the schools and homes: we provide dry food rations to almost 3000 children per month, and when we are able, we also provide sleeping and sanitation supplies.

Children live in these types of schools and boarding houses for a variety of reasons, including being orphaned or abandoned, poverty in Burma rendering their parents unable to properly care for them, the risk of being recruited as a child soldier, or for forced labour and the risk of being trafficked as well as the fear and reality of conflict breaking out in their villages. While the Mae Tao Clinic continues to support these children, we can’t do it without your help and donations. If you would like to help, please head over to our donation page. Use the drop down tab above to learn more about Mae Tao Clinic’s Child Protection programmes.

Dr Cynthia wins the Freedom to Create Leadership Award

elizabeth — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:07:11 +0000

Today we are very excited to announce that Dr Cynthia has won the Freedom to Create Leadership Award for Women! This award celebrates female change-makers who have identified and implemented a creative way to address a social issue, demonstrating courage, creativity and transformational change for her community. Dr Cynthia is in Cape Town, South Africa this week to recieve the award. To find out more about Freedom to Create, visit their website http://www.freedomtocreate.com