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Philippines

Medical Teams International Helps Filipinos Recover from Typhoon Disasters

Dr. Jennifer Watts of Blue Springs, Mo. leaves Sunday to help provide training to local Filipino doctors, following last fall's typhoons that left millions homeless.

Dr. Watts will serve as medical coordinator to provide disaster relief training in improving clinical skills, promotion of health practices and organization campaigns for local doctors and health professionals in the Philippines. Dr. Watts' training is in partnership with Australian Aid International.

In the last quarter of 2009, Typhoons Ketsana and Parma devastated the northern parts of the Philippines which left an estimated death toll of 392 people and affected more than 4 million people. In many areas, many children under five years of age continue to suffer from respiratory disorders, skin diseases and viral infections. Medical Teams International has sent financial aid, gifts-in-kind and volunteers to help the affected Filipino families.

Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than 1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 45 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2,600 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year. Donations can be made by calling (503) 624.1000 or by logging on to www.medicalteams.org.

Author: Chiqui Flowers

Media contact: Marlene Minor - (503) 341.6620 (mobile)

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