Update on Tsunami Survivors: Mental Health a Big Concern

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2005-2-15

I'm Gwen Outen with the VOA Special English Health Report.

Many health officials warned about the possible spread of
diseases after the tsunami waves in the Indian Ocean in December. So
far, the World Health Organization reports no major outbreaks of
disease in the countries affected.

W.H.O. officials say international efforts to provide clean water
have helped limit the spread of infections. So have shipments of
medicine and mosquito-control supplies.

But the W.H.O. says people are still at great risk of diseases
such as cholera, malaria and dengue fever. The agency noted earlier
this month that the dengue season is just beginning.

Dengue fever and malaria are spread by the bite of mosquitoes.
Cholera is an intestinal infection spread through water polluted
with bacteria.

Another big concern involves the emotional condition of tsunami
survivors. Experts say stress-related disorders such as fear or
depression can continue for several years if people do not get help.

Last month, Indonesia launched a mental health campaign to assist
survivors. A Health Ministry official told Reuters news agency that
six hundred fifty thousand refugees need help. If not, he said an
estimated twenty to fifty percent could develop what he called
"serious mental problems."

The Indonesian official said the campaign would depend mostly on
simple communication to help people deal with their situations.
Experts note that many Asians reject Western forms of treatment,
such as the use of anti-depression drugs.

Some efforts to help tsunami survivors involve religion. In
Thailand, the Associated Press reported that specially trained
Buddhist monks have been talking to survivors.

A Thai Health Ministry official said some people cannot sleep or
look at the sea. Others cannot take their mind off waiting for the
return of a missing loved one.

The Associated Press said Thailand has sent hundreds of mental
health experts to the affected areas. And an international group of
experts met in Bangkok this month to discuss how to help people in
all the affected countries.

On December twenty-sixth, a powerful earthquake sent waves across
southern Asia and eastern Africa. At least one hundred sixty
thousand people in eleven countries were killed. Many more lost
their homes. Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand suffered the most
damage.

This VOA Special English Health Report was written by Cynthia
Kirk. I'm Gwen Outen.


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