Nepal Earthquake Relief Introduction American Nepal Medical Foundation (ANMF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-driven organization established in 1997 by a group of medical and non-medical professionals, many of Nepali origin. The foundation has enabled collaborative relationships between Nepali healthcare institutions and various institutions in the USA, Canada and other countries. Every year, ANMF provides funding support to various healthcare related projects in Nepal via its Nepali implementation partner, ANMF-Nepal. Where can I get information about the crisis? (Source) On 25 April, 11:41 local time, an earthquake with of 7.8 hit Nepal 68 km from the capital city of Kathmandu. At least 60 aftershocks have occurred since then. Magnitudes aftershocks have ranged from 4.1–6.7. Over 6,000 people have died and more than 10,000 have been injured. The final tally is expected to substantially higher because the situation is still unclear in remote areas, which remain cut off or hard to access and was the epicenter of the earthquake. The government has reported that a total of 30 districts have been affected in the Western and Central Regions, including Kathmandu Valley districts. There is no total figure of affected population yet WHO has estimated that over 5 million people are affected. The impact around the epicenter has been severely devastating. The impact of potential breakdown in public health after the initial shock remains to be seen. Almost everyone is sleeping outside, majority of the cultural relics, temples and monuments have turned into rubble and entire villages in rural regions have been swept away. What can I do to help? For now, direct cash to established organizations is the most effective way to help from far. The Nepali Government’s disaster response agency, National Emergency Operation Center, has stated that there is no need for additional medical personnel. Direct cash does not disrupt local markets, allows established organizations to use their existing supply chain for their most pressing needs and helps continue to support the local economy. Whom should I donate to and why? This decision is ultimately individualized. Many choose large, multinational organizations because of their international reputation. Our support for America Nepal Medical Foundation (ANMF) is based on the following reasons - ANMF has been working in Nepal since 1997. - Most ANMF members are originally from Nepal and are currently based in North America. Many went to medical school in Nepal and have worked in local Nepali hospitals and are familiar with the ground realities of medical care in the country. - ANMF has extensive local connections to hospitals, clinics, medical personnel in Nepal and is utilizing these channels to streamline their relief efforts. This allows ANMF to quickly identify needs that may be missed by more established international organizations if they do not have an intricate network within Nepal. - ANMF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. - All members are volunteers so all the money that is raised is sent directly to Nepal. How will the funds be used? ANMF is focused on supporting medical relief by disbursing funds and providing supplies to trusted and vetted non-profit hospitals and grassroots organizations that are providing crucial on-theground medical services. Here is a summary of their work so far during this crisis: - - Disbursed over $75,000 directly to organizations and hospitals in Nepal. Established a command center in Kathmandu to streamline needs and supplies from Kathmandu and other affections regions. Sent emergency pharmacy supplies to the 2 main referral hospitals in Kathmandu and neighboring town of Bhaktapur. Replenished surgical supplies at the major referral hospital in Kathmandu. Sent volunteers with food supplies to rural Nuwakot, which has been largely inaccessible to most aid organizations. Distributed over 500 tents in Sindhupalchowk and Kavrepalanchok, both rural regions outside of Kathmandu. They have placed an order of 1000 additional tents and have identified a reliable supply chain from India to the affected regions. Sent $50,000 to their Nepal partner, ANMF-Nepal, available for immediate disbursement to meet emergent shortfalls in supplies and funds for medical relief. Thank you for considering ANMF to show your support to tackle the crisis in Nepal.