Reference :
V-F-CR-F-00782-A
Date :
07/2003
Title :
Liberia : ICRC sends more surgeons to operate on war-wounded in Monrovia
Duration :
00:03:34
Editor :
unknown
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Production company :
ICRC
ICRC producer :
none
Description :
For the war-weary people of Monrovia, there is only one possible solution – peace at all costs. Swarming though the streets of the capital they make their views plain: 'We want peace no more war!'. But in and around the capital, clashes between rebels and government soldiers continue. The John F. Kennedy Hospital is full to overflowing with war-wounded, many suffering terrible injuries from bullet wounds and mortar fire. This hospital is the only major health facility still functioning in Monrovia. In the past few days, the ICRC has sent out more surgeons and medical staff from Geneva to relieve the resident team, raising the number of medical staff from 7 to 11. For weeks, exhausted surgeons have been operating 18 hours a day on soldiers and civilians, including desperately injured children. Blood is in short supply and appeals have been made to local people to donate. There are currently around 200 in-patients as well as large numbers of out-patients who arrive at the hospital daily. Thousands of people have fled into the city to escape fighting, seeking refuge in schools and abandoned buildings. At the Samuel K. Doe Sports Stadium, 10 kilometres south of Monrovia, 20,000 people have taken shelter. The ICRC is organising the distribution of food, as well as providing water and latrines in the stadium. The head of the ICRC Delegation in Monrovia, Dominique Liegme, explains that many of the IDPs had little to eat when they arrived. Diarrohoea among children and the spread of infectious disease are grave concerns.
English title :
Liberia : ICRC sends more surgeons to operate on war-wounded in Monrovia
Colour/B&W :
colour
Original material/format :
Betacam SP
Best material/format available :
Betacam SP
To obtain other languages or formats, please contact us
