World Vision sets up hospital in old Baath Party building

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The Office for Disaster Assistance has given World Vision the 'green light' to set up a temporary hospital in western Iraq, following a visit to Al Rutba yesterday. World Vision will improve the electrical system and plumbing, as well as provide windows, shelving and paint to the temporary Al Rutba Hospital. Four latrines will be constructed to complement the existing structure.

A World Vision team accompanied the OFDA director, Bernd 'Bear' McConnell on a tour of the town. The World Vision team showed the director and his team, the destroyed hospital site, the primary health care clinic and the temporary hospital. They also met with the district governor Hassein Ali to discuss needs.

The Al Rutba community has chosen the site of the former Baath Party headquarters for the site of the temporary hospital.

Local contractors will be used for the rehabilitation process. Supplies will be purchased locally where possible, however some items may be sourced from Jordan. Implementation may start Friday.

World Vision will also provide hospital activity support by providing essential drugs and oxygen. Drug supply will be based on World Health Organization guidelines. Drugs will be sourced via OFDA or Unicef, depending upon availability. Restoration of the administrative system, record keeping and epidemiological functions will also occur during the three month programme.

The western Iraq town, home to 25,000 people was targeted during the first weeks of conflict, when the hospital, across the road from the Baath Party headquarters, was inadvertently destroyed during a bombing campaign.

World Vision is also planning a three month mines/unexploded ordnance programme following more than 20 cases of children being injured over the past week. Through a 'train the trainers' program, World Vision will disseminate information regarding the dangers of landmines and UXOs to children and adults. A variety of methods, including drama, banners, posters, t-shirts and caps will be used to spread the message. More than 5,000 children will be targeted via the programme.

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