In August the H1H1 virus broke out in Myanmar, more commonly known as the swine flu. While the swine flu is not as scary as it seemed a few years ago, it’s still easy to catch (by air or by body contact). Like seasonal flu, it can cause serious health problems for some people, especially if not treated quickly. It can lead to more dangerous phenomena including pneumonia, lung infections and other breathing problems, additionally it can make an illness like diabetes or asthma worse. In Ngapyawkyaw, short NPK village, the living conditions are already hard (the village was almost completely destroyed during cyclone Nargis in 2008), but with the added hazard of the virus, risk of infection is even greater. On these grounds, SONNE decided to act fast. A huge healthcare camp took place at the local school (which we helped build up again), where we were able to examine all 400 children and their relatives thanks to our medical team. Furthermore, an awareness workshop on the swine flu was held, and the importance of personal hygiene once again emphasized. The whole local SSO team came to help the doctor and nurses on-site, and with so many people it was quite necessary. Since August the danger of the virus has thankfully passed, and a lot of infections and sicknesses were prevented. As a NGO, but also as people, we have to do as much as we can as swiftly as we can – because to give quickly is to give double, as we all know.
Acting responsibly means acting fast
Fast medical help is crucial, when it comes to a spreading virus.by