Health clinics open on earthquake-devastated island
POSTED: March 10, 2007
By John Patrick
Paul Gimson of MAP International cuts the ribbon to the newly-constructed health center in Sawo at a ceremony in April.
MAP and OBI began construction on the clinics in September 2006. The facilities are fully outfitted with medical equipment and furniture.
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NIAS, North Sumatra - April 3 marked a new beginning for the island of Nias in Indonesia's North Sumatra, as the disaster-torn community inaugurated four new community health clinics.
Non Rawung, director of Operation Blessing Indonesia, along with partnering organization MAP International, dedicated the completed facilities at an event held at the new Sawo clinic.
"This building doesn't belong to MAP or OBI, but this health clinic belongs to the people," Rawung said in her dedication speech.
MAP International partnered with OBI in the project and started construction on the clinics in September 2006. The facilities have been fully outfitted with medical equipment and furniture.
"We want to give the best for the people of Nias," Rawung said, speaking for the two organizations.
The clinics are part of Operation Blessing's long term recovery efforts in Nias following the devastating 8.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the island on March 28, 2005. The quake killed hundreds of people, destroyed buildings and left schools and other public facilities, including health clinics, uninhabitable.
In addition to clinics located in Sawo, Tuhembuasi, Sogae'Adu, and Mazingo districts, OBI continues to sponsor mobile medical services across the island.
"These clinics are not just an aid or gift, but this is an expression of our love to people of Nias," she said.
How You Can Help
Thanks to your continued support, OBI is able to reach those who are caught in the midst of disaster with not only emergency food, water and medicine, but also ongoing recovery programs to help rebuild devastated communities.
Be a part of OBI's ongoing disaster relief efforts by making an online donation today.
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