Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995

In response to the devastating floods in Indonesia, AMDA has been carrying out emergency response activities in Aceh Tamiang Regency, one of the worst affected areas in the North Sumatra region.
 
Below is the summary of AMDA’s aid work between 15-22 December:
 
On 15 December, AMDA’s relief team conducted medical relief activities in a previously unreached area of Aceh Tamiang.
 
Because the area had not received any medical teams since the disaster, approximately 40 residents were provided with medical consultations and treatment that day. Due to prolonged exposure to poor air quality in the affected area, many patients were suffering from flu-like symptoms, including sore throats, headaches, and fever. Cases of skin conditions, eye irritation, and ringworm were also observed.
 
In addition, numerous residents had sustained injuries to their lower legs and feet because of debris and unhygienic living conditions. To reduce the risk of further injury and infection, AMDA distributed sandals to residents who had been living barefoot.
 
At night, the large number of mosquitoes had made it difficult for many people to rest. In response, AMDA distributed mosquito nets to households identified as being particularly vulnerable. Milk was also provided to families with infants and young children.
 
Meanwhile in Medan, the provincial capital, on 16 December, AMDA Indonesia's aid workers sorted out relief supplies that arrived at the airport, packing them for the planned supply distribution efforts. One Japanese nurse also joined the advance team that day. 
 
On 17 December, in line with field assessments, AMDA's relief team delivered medical supplies to two community health centers and one general hospital in the area.

The assessments revealed that, because one of the health centers remained submerged, its temporary facility was set in an elevated location to continue providing medical services. To compensate for the power outage, the facility was relying on a power generator. 

For the supply distribution, AMDA donated relief items to a disaster response base locally known as "posko." Local residents voiced their concerns over the continuous rainfall over the past few days as the area was located along a river.
 
On 18 December, the team delivered medical goods including medicines, blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and pulse oximeters to a local health care facility. Recalling one’s own experience, one of the facility staff said the water level rose to neck height, flooding the entire house at the time of the inundation.
 
On 19 December, AMDA’s relief team continued to deliver relief supplies to residents. With the help of midwives and nurses from a local health center, the team donated mosquito nets, blankets, rags, and candles to those in need.
 
Similarly, medical services were offered at the health center’s temporary medical post, where the team saw 35 patients suffering from coughs, headaches, dizziness, and migraines.
 
The scorching weather was taking its toll on patients. Covered in sweat, one of them was seen staggering into the clinic.
 
Sludge and inundation were still observed in some places. However, there was visible progress in disaster reconstruction.
 
On 21 December, AMDA’s relief team carried out medical assistance and relief supply distribution efforts, along with a visit to a heavily-affected local school.
 
During the aid work, the team had the opportunity to speak with a woman in her 30s taking shelter in a makeshift tent. According to her, she was sharing a single tent with 10 family members, including her three children and elderly parents. The family had a reason to remain at the current site: because the tent was closely located to the toilet, it made it easier for her mother, who had difficulty walking, to access it. 
 
During the flooding, the family evacuated to the second floor of a school and managed to survive. However, their home was completely washed away. 
 
Before any assistance reached them, the family survived solely on rainwater for five days. Her husband swam for about 30 minutes to reach a store, where he found expired bread, which the family shared among themselves. “Whenever it rains, I am reminded of the flooding and feel afraid, but now my family has become my emotional support,” she said.
 
Although it may take a while for people’s daily lives to be normalized, there was a sign of recovery: emergency response posts (posko) were established across the affected areas; volunteers began providing hot meals to the residents; and BNPB (the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency) also provided relief supplies whenever required. 
 
The meals were prepared using a variety of ingredients, taking nutritional balance into account. A mother caring for an infant commented, “I am able to choose meals according to my condition.”
 
On 22 December, AMDA’s relief team organized post-disaster trauma care sessions and supply distribution efforts.
 
First, psychiatrists from AMDA Indonesia conducted therapy sessions to heal the mental fatigue of adults and children respectively. Although there were emotional scenes at the time, smiles returned to their faces at the end.
 
After that, those that joined the sessions received relief items such as rags, mosquito nets, candles, and the books of Quran, in addition to garments including hijabs for women and sarong for men. Toys and color pencils were also provided to children.
 
Around Kuala Simpang District where the team conducted relief work, the overall situation has gradually been improving. Food stalls have started reopening, and shops have begun selling equipment for clearing mud and debris. Core hospitals have also resumed services partially, with temporary health centers being set up.
 
Although the relief efforts will be continued by AMDA Indonesia for the time being, Japanese aid workers of the team will conclude their work and return to Japan on 24 December.