The devastating tsunami that struck South Asia and East Africa on December 26, 2004 claimed more than 31,000 lives in Sri Lanka and displaced over 500,000 people.  The tsunami flattened homes and destroyed infrastructure that thousands of Sri Lankans relied on for health, education, and other social services. 

Identifying community priorities for long-term recovery
The Hambantota district was among the worst hit by the tsunami.  Most survivors lost their homes, sources of income, as well as loved ones.  They also had extremely limited access to much-needed health services.  HealthRight International* conducted in-depth assessments and baseline surveys to determine priority needs of the community.  In partnership with local partners and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Healthcare, Nutrition, and Uwa Wellassa Development (MOH), HealthRight undertook the rehabilitation of two rural hospitals in the district.  The renovation and upgrade of the hospitals and the comprehensive training of health care providers has both restored and improved health services for over 138,000 residents.

Mobilizing a community
HealthRight trained a corps of local volunteers and conducted a series of one-day community medical camps  to provide care and information to thousands of families.  The community medical camps screened and treated hundreds of patients who had little access to hospitals or clinics.  A HealthRight-trained corps of 48 local volunteers led a community-wide campaign on primary health care, raising awareness of health, hygiene and sanitation concerns in twelve tsunami affected areas.  

Safety of humanitarian workers
While in Sri Lanka, HealthRight was subject to repeated investigations and harassment, all in the absence of any charge or complaint.  Currently, critical aid and development programs in Sri Lanka are in jeopardy, increasing the suffering of thousands of civilians, and causing aid workers to fear for their lives.  HealthRight has joined with the international community in its call for the guaranteed protection of all humanitarian workers and operations in the region.

* HealthRight International was known as Doctors of the World-USA from 1990 to 2009.