People Affected by Armed Conflict
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Sharad Mokashi from the Canadian Red Cross helps a Tajik patient | |
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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) takes the lead role in coordinating relief efforts to assist people who have been affected by war and violence. In Tajikistan this has included technical and financial support for assistance programs supported by the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan, distribution of food and non-food aid to victims of armed conflict and distribution of drugs and medical supplies to hospitals.
Orthopaedic Centre Managed By Canadian Red Cross
Since 1998 the Canadian Red Cross has been managing an orthopaedic centre in a joint project with the ICRC, local Red Crescent Society and the Tajikistan government, to provide lower limb amputees with prostheses to help them reintegrate into normal life. About 70 percent of the amputees are men aged 20-50 with family duties and responsibilities. Located in the capital of Dushanbe, the centre began operations in 1998. Since then over 1,000 patients have received a prosthesis. About 30 percent were the victims of direct war-related injuries, including landmines. The country's health care infrastructure has virtually collapsed due to years of war, which accounts for the centre's other patients. Plans call for production to remain between 35-40 per month with the goal of 400 per year. By the end of 2001, the Canadian Red Cross and its partners have helped an estimated 80 percent of the amputee population in Tajikistan.
In addition to the main centre in Dushanbe, the Tajik Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan maintain satellite offices in other parts of the country where staff and volunteers can monitor patients who have been fitted and assist people with minor repairs once they have returned to their homes. The Red Crescent continues to play an important role in identifying, assisting, transporting and supporting the amputees at home and while in the centre.
Equipment and materials for the prostheses are provided locally and ordered from Red Cross headquarters in Geneva. Staff at the centre include a technical coordinator, physiotherapist and 16 local staff.
In 2002 a country-wide needs assessment will be completed by the Red Crescent to determine the number of people requiring orthoses and the number of upper limb amputees. This will help determine how the Ortho Project will prepare for the future, including an eventual withdrawal of the ICRC and full handover to local authorities.
Funding for the project has generously been provided by Kroum and Eva Pindoff, owners of Music World, a chain of over 110 music stores across Canada.
