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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth sending emergency doctors to Maldives

19 January 2005

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today announced a new programme to bring medical doctors from around the Commonwealth to work in Maldives:

"Today I am launching an appeal to doctors to volunteer to help the people of Maldives, who are suffering the devastating consequences of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004. If you can help, please get in touch right away."

The Commonwealth Secretariat is looking for doctors with expertise in internal medicine; paediatrics; anaesthetics; general surgery; obstetrics and gynaecology; and orthopaedics as well as general medicine. They will each work in Maldives for between 3 and 12 months.

"Women and children have borne the brunt of the disaster," said Mr McKinnon. "My hope is that in a short time, we can deliver up to 50 experienced doctors to assist the Maldives Government in the delivery and coordination of medical assistance. I am told this will make a real difference to their health system. The doctors will mainly be working in the settlements for displaced people and overstretched health centres."

The Secretariat has already deployed a Disaster Relief Coordinator, Colonel Linton Graham of Jamaica, who has been supporting the Maldives Government's assessment of the country's requirements and will make recommendations for the future. "He is now coming to the end of his two week mission to Maldives and will be sending me his report very soon," Mr McKinnon confirmed.

Note to Editors:
For details of how to volunteer to be a part of the emergency medical team and terms of reference click here.
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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int