Dr.Jamil farooqui Chairperson SWDRC 2010.

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DISASTER RELIEF COMMITTEE 2010

Dear Members,
Assalam Alaikum

Few volunteering physicians started the journey of SWDRC in 2010. From Haiti earthquake in January to the ground breaking of Samar Bagh in December, we have faced many difficulties and challenges, but with the help of almighty, determination of our dedicated committee members and the support of our generous membership we were able to cross these hurdles and were able to achieve our goals.

HAITI EARTHQUAKE:
A massive earthquake struck the island of Haiti in early January. Colossal damage was done to the life and property of the Haitians. APPNA through SWDRC collected around fifteen thousand dollars for the victim and dispatched a team of doctors to the affected area. We contributed to the relief and rehab phase of this disaster.

DISASTER RELEIF CORE:
Purpose is to organize a group of volunteer physicians of APPNA and train them as first responders to any disaster relief efforts. A volunteer deployment template has been developed and available for the future use. Key elements of this effort were:
o Identify the volunteers.
o Develop a database of volunteers.
o Provide necessary training for the disaster relief work.
o Coordinate with other charitable organizations.
o Develop communication channels with Media, state department and other government agencies
o Be prepared and ready to be deployed in short notice.

The SIUT PROJECT:
SWDRC adopted this project for 2010.The institute has saved literally hundreds of thousands of lives since this exceptional Institute came into being in 1971 as an 8-bed unit. Now it boasts 450 beds, some of the most modern medical equipment in the world, and a team of around 350 doctors. But what is truly remarkable is that all services are provided completely free of charge. We collected funds for this institute and will continue to help it in future.

PAKISTAN FLOOD 2010:
The Social Welfare and Disaster Relief Committee 2010 started its work for the flood relief knowing the enormity of the disaster and also the limitations of the available resources.
Our team was able to achieve the following:
• Establishing communication with the dependable ground partners including our Alumni working on the ground.
• Coordinating and directing the volunteers to Pakistan Medical Relief Camps.
• Sending Supplies and Medicines to the affected areas.
• Acquiring a phone Number for donation by texting.
• Mobilizing the USAID and other agencies for grants.
• Multiple TV and Radio interviews for public awareness.
• Last but not the least, launching the massive fund raising campaign.
o With the help of our generous membership and support of the communities all across the continent, we were able to raise $1,343,630.00
o We have divided our efforts of helping the flood victims in three phases:
Phase 1: Immediate relief:
By helping in rescue efforts and providing food, shelter, water, clothing etc. This was achieved with help and partnership of our Alumni and Medical College based social organizations working on ground.
Phase 2: Intermediate relief:
• In this phase the above-mentioned efforts were continued.
• In addition we have started a huge, multi center Vaccination campaign to prevent the water born diseases.
• This project was done with the help of American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] and Pakistan Pediatric Association [PPA].
• During my recent visit to Pakistan in November 2010, I got a chance to visit Mardan, Noshahra, Samar Bagh, Multan, Muzafargarh, Sunawan, Taunasa, Kot Addu, Makli, Tatttha and Shahdad Kot and participated in the on going campaign.
• We have also collaborated with USAID and other agencies to get the grants for our relief projects.
Phase 3: Rehabilitation:
• SWDRC recommended adopting a village in the flood effected area with the help of Human Development foundation [HDF].
• The proposal was to reconstruct the village, Samar Bagh [Mardan] including building the flood affected houses, School, Community Health Unit and also to develop the sewerage system, roads and providing the clean drinking water by installing the water purification plant.
• The proposed cost of the project was $777,357.00. This includes the initial reconstruction and running cost for three years. This cost will be equally shared by the HDF and APPNA.
• This proposal was approved the Executive Council of APPNA in Miami Fall meeting. An MOU has been signed and the work has started.
• I have visited the Samar Bagh in November 2010 and inaugurated the “Concept Launching Event” for the Model village and later in December the President and President Elect have laid the stone and participated in the “Ground Breaking Ceremony” for this project.

Respected members, this journey from Haiti to Samar Bagh was made possible by the dedication and determination of our devoted team members. I would like to thank my Co-Chair: Dr. Humeraa Qamar and respected committee members Dr. Sophia Janjua, Dr. Mansoor Alam, Dr. Aftab Ahmed, Dr. Talha Siddiqui. Dr. Afzal Arain, Dr. Naeem Khan, Dr. Jalil Khan and Dr. Javed Akhter.
My special thanks to Dr Umair Shah, Dr Babar Rao for their help and guidance in the development of Disaster Relief Core.

Thanks for your help and support.

Long Live APPNA

Dr.Jamil farooqui Chairperson SWDRC 2010.