Posted 15th November 2007

AAI EXPERT ATTENDS THE 2 ND ASIAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION 

The 2nd Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was a significant move to again gather an international group of ministers, environmental and human experts, professionals, multi-sectorial humanitarians and disaster responders and educators in one conference to discuss the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The overall goal of expanding the political space allocated to DRR is an essential component to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly in respect of poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. The conference further developed the framework for mainstreaming disaster preparedness as first proposed in Japan in 2005, now known as the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA). The idea of mainstreaming disaster preparedness is that by integrating disaster preparedness and reduction into all socio-economic development and planning activities the damage caused by disasters can be reduced.

AAI strongly endorses the HFA, which includes:

1. The prioritisation by governments of developing legislation, institutions and frameworks for disaster risk reduction (DRR);

2. The application of science and technology to identify and assess disaster risks;

3. Socio-educational development of the whole community enabling a culture of safety and resilience;

4. The reduction of the underlying vulnerabilities (including poverty alleviation, environmental degradation, urban planning etc); and

5. The development of DRR as part of the humanitarian process: prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover.

Over 500 delegates including ministers or their representatives from 47 countries attended the conference in Delhi, plus almost 100 overseas experts, in addition to nearly 40 experts from throughout India. Nearly all UN agencies were represented at the conference, as were many large international NGOs (INGOs). Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh gave the opening address and a keynote speech was given by Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the UPA.

Throughout the conference many best practices were shared during high-level round table discussions and side-events. Experts also addressed various delegates on various DRR initiatives in the fields of science and technological applications, community based disaster preparedness (CBDP), and public-private partnerships (PPPs).

AAI's Info rmation and Security Manager, an expert in the field of DRR attended the conference and participated in many forums and discussions. Dominic said about the conference, ‘it was a splendid gathering of some of the world's most impressive humanitarians and disaster experts. Whilst it was an excellent opportunity to discuss the many initiatives taken by various agencies and intergovernment organisations, it was pleasing to see that our own operations are a vanguard for the latest DRR practices.'

AAI will continue to participate in the international discussion on disaster risk reduction and remain on the forefront of leading trends and developments in its pursuit of gender equality, decreased child mortality, improved maternal child health care practices, enhanced community health care systems, stronger community partnerships and better educational facilities for young children in disaster prone areas.

For more information on the MDGs see http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

Posted 5th April 2007

AAI appointed as member of the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network

AAI has been unanimously appointed a member of the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN). ADRRN promotes the coordination and collaboration of NGOs and other stakeholders for effective and efficient disaster reduction and response in the Asia-Pacific region.

The network is chaired by Dr Jemilah Mahmood and its objectives are:

For more information on the ADRRN please click www.adrrn.net.

AAI looks forward to becoming an effective member of this network.

Posted 28th May 2006

AUSTRALIAN AID INTERNATIONAL (AAI) DEPLOYS DISASTER ASSESSMENT RESPONSE TEAM TO JAVA ISLAND

As thousands of people on the island of Java have spent the night outside ruined homes or in the grounds of mosques, churches and schools, AAI volunteers and medical staff are preparing to assist where required. The area where the earthquake occurred has already spent the last three weeks on high alert as Mt Merapi threatens to erupt.

The efforts of Aid organisations and government agencies to get to the area have been hampered by the closing of the Yogyakarta airport due to a damaged runway. All of the regions nine hospitals are now full and people desperately wait for urgent medical treatment.

AAI now calls for donations and support.

Posted 19th May 2006

Mark "Squiz" Squirrell reaches Mt Everest, sponsored by AAI

As stated on February 1st 2006, AAI has sponsored Mark "Squiz" Squirrell's Mt Everest attempt  in support of the World Food Program 2006 Walk the World. Mark is a long time associate and supporter of AAI . The expedition will raise awareness and funds for their School Feeding Programme. Please have a look at the website  http://wfp.org.np/everest/ AAI has provided medical equipment, gear and other support..

Friday 19th May
Location: Camp Three
Altitude: 7300 metres
This morning I have descended safely from Camp Four in the Death Zone and have just reached Camp Three. I'll keep descending and sleep at Camp Two tonight. Tomorrow I'll have to travel through the dangerous Khumbu icefall one final last time before arriving in Base Camp. A big thank you for all the support from my friends and family. I'm really looking forward to telling you all tall stories next Friday night at the Summit Hotel in Kathmandu.

Squiz just called from Camp Four. He only had enough batteries in his phone to call me and then call his parents. He has had an EPIC ascent and will provide more details when gets back to base camp, which will probably be on Saturday. I passed on everyones congratulations and he knows we all think he's a champ. He was excited, the connection wasn't 100% so it was difficult to get all the details but here is his update .....

Thursday 18th May
Location: Camp Four
Altitude: 7900 m
Last night I left Camp Four at 9:15 AM. After one hour my oxygen system malfunctioned so I then climbed without oxygen for the next two hours. These two hours were the hardest two hours in my entire life. I reached The Balcony and used the radio to talk with my expedition leader at Base Camp. He said "You're too slow, you'll have to come down and try again next week." I replied "NO WAY MATE, THE ONLY DIRECTION I'M GOING IS UP, GIVE ME ANOTHER SOLUTION!". So then my Sherpa gave me his oxygen mask and cranked it to flow rate #2. I felt better and soon reached the start of the Hilary Step. I talked on the radio with my expedition leader again who said I was too slow but allowed me to turn the oxygen flow rate to #4. I then powered up through the Hilary Step and literally ran up the summit ridge to reach the summit within an hour, reaching the summit in record time at 10:05 AM. After taking summit photos with the WFP flag and 'Walk The World' flag I descended safely to Camp Four. I'll spend another night here in the Death Zone and tomorrow descend to Camp Two, or maybe even Base Camp if possible. I still have ten fingers and toes and I'm safe. But it's not over yet.

9th March, 2006

Moving forward in Pakistan

Australian Aid International, an NGO that has been working in the earthquake affected areas of Kashmir, Pakistan since Oct 17 2005, has announced its program for the next 3 months.

Speaking on behalf of AAI, the CEO Marc Preston said that it is now time to consolidate our efforts in revitalising the healthcare system and to look at lasting projects including the repair of damaged health facilities and the construction of a clinic as a more permanent legacy to the communities served by the AAI teams.

Marc also expressed his appreciation for the fantastic effort from all volunteers, staff, donors and sponsors that have supported the projects of AAI in Pakistan since it first arrived.

“The AAI teams have been working tirelessly in the Bagh District of Kashmir since October 17 in very arduous conditions sometimes travelling by vehicle in mountainous terrain for 8-10 hours to reach remote destinations. Their results have been extraordinary”

AAI's achievements include:

•  Conducting search and recovery operations in the most remote and isolated regions of Azad Jammu Kashmir province
•  Undertaking definitive care and evacuations, sometimes trekking over 4 hours in rough terrain at altitudes of 10,000 feet
•  Treating over 2000 patients in AAI's initial six week response through remote mobile medical clinics
•  Evacuating over 100 patients to high levels of care from remote locations
•  Distributing and/or built over 1200 shelters that have been distributed to the most vulnerable families
•  In direct collaboration with the MoH and DHO, revitalising and strengthening the existing health infrastructure through the training and education of government health staff. This includes the supply and equipping of existing health facilities
•  Supporting 12 health care facilities in the AAI area of care which treat over 2100 patient visits per month
•  Distributing winterized tents to BHU's, RHC's and the THQ hospital in Haveli sub-district
•  Assisting in the distribution of a further 41 donated winterized tents
•  Providing water purification and hygiene education to 12 PHC facilities and THQ hospital
•  Conducting Clean Up campaigns to improve the environment and hygiene of the area.

Moving forward
AAI is now consolidating its successful revitalisation strategy and continuing with its “Community Health Initiatives” project until the end of May by which time it will have trained 200 Community Health Workers.

In addition, it is currently conducting an assessment on the state of Lady Health Houses in the Havelli sub-district for the purposes of undertaking repairs and restoration to improve their functionality.

Most significantly, AAI is examining the feasibility of constructing a small PHC clinic. Draft plans have now been completed and AAI will be meeting with the co-ordinating authorities this week to discuss this project.

3rd March, 2006

On the 2nd of March 2006 over 50 local schoolchildren and volunteers demonstrated that they care about Rawalpindi by participating in a “Clean Up” campaign.

Organised by NGO Australian Aid International in conjunction with Grammar School Rawalpindi (GSR) the local event to clean up the streets and public areas surrounding the School in Tulsa Street received fantastic support and assistance from local volunteers. Speaking on behalf of GSR Madam Nasreen Iqbal the School Director expressed her appreciation for the extraordinary efforts of students and staff and the support of AAI.

“The fantastic response from the children, and their enthusiasm for the event gives me faith that our younger generation do care about the environment and Pakistan , and that we can make our community a greener and cleaner place to live.

Together we have made a difference to the problem of litter in the Rawalpindi area caused by thoughtless people who needlessly throw rubbish in our streets.” she continued.

The event was part of one of the world's most successful community-led global environment campaigns, Clean Up the World. The campaign involves an estimated 35 million volunteers in over 100 countries each year, uniting them towards the common goal of cleaning up, fixing up and conserving our environment.

“Clean Up the World environmental activities such as the one held in Rawalpindi provide the opportunity for people to experience first hand the impact that waste has on our environment,” said Ian Kiernan AO, Founder and Chairman, Clean Up the World and UNEP Global 500 Laureate.

“I congratulate and thank the volunteers of GSR for their outstanding efforts.”

Future events planned by GSR include participation in the world Clean Up day held between 15 -17 September 2006. For information on how you can get involved contact the GSR school.

In 2006 Clean Up the World is encouraging participants to pay particular attention to the state of the world's cities and communities. Members are encouraged to focus on creating greener cities and communities by looking at their streets, parks, waterways and roadways and how they can reduce the impact of waste within their community.

Clean Up the World originated in Sydney , Australia in 1993 and is held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The campaign brings together businesses, community groups, schools, governments and individuals to undertake activities to improve water quality, clean up local streets, parks, waterways and forests and educate children about the environment.

Globally, the campaign's Patron is Fondation d'Enterprise Veolia Environnement and the Global Media Partner is National Geographic Channels International. Qantas is the Official Airline and Sponsor, and the Australian Government, through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is a Supporter of Clean Up the World.

Marc Preston – CEO
Australian Aid International
mpreston@aai.org.au
Tel: 0301 532 4414

For more information on Clean Up the World visit www.cleanuptheworld.org or phone +61 2 9692 0700 or email world@cleanup.com.au

23rd February, 2006

AAI joins Clean Up the World

Australian Aid International becomes a Member of the community-led global environmental campaign, Clean Up the World, joining the estimated 35 million volunteers in over 100 countries around the world who clean up, fix up and conserve their local environment

“In March we will be organising a number of Clean Up events in Pakistan to improve the environment and reduce the impact of waste” said Marc Preston the CEO of AAI.

“Our aim is to initiate a small events and capacity build other NGO's, organisations where we have been working since the Oct 8 earthquake which devastated Kashmir and the North Western Frontier Province . We hope to have the support of as many people in the community as possible. Australian Aid International is proud to be cleaning up our part of the world and we urge everyone to join us and make a real difference,” continued Marc Preston.

Clean Up the World Chairman and Founder, Ian Kiernan AO congratulated Australian Aid International on joining Clean Up the World and on their plans to clean up their local environment.

“I wish AAI a successful campaign. Congratulations for taking the first step towards making your community a cleaner healthier place for all to enjoy. AAI is an excellent example of how we can all make a difference in helping solve the world's environmental problems by taking action on a local level,” said Mr Kiernan .

In 2006 Clean Up the World is encouraging participants to pay particular attention to the state of the world's cities and urban communities. Members are encouraged to focus on creating greener cities and communities by looking at their streets, parks, waterways and roadways and how they can reduce the impact of waste within their community.

Clean Up the World originated in Sydney , Australia in 1993 and is held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The campaign brings together businesses, community groups, schools, governments and individuals to undertake activities to improve water quality, clean up local streets, parks, waterways and forests and educate children about the environment.

Globally, the campaign's Patron is Fondation d'Enterprise Veolia Environnement and the Global Media Partner is National Geographic Channels International. Qantas is the Official Airline and Sponsor and the Australian Government, through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is a Supporter of Clean Up the World.

Groups, organisations, businesses and communities around the world can register as a Member with Clean Up the World by visiting www.cleanuptheworld.org or phoning +61 2 9692 0700 or emailing world@cleanup.com.au.

For more information on Clean Up the World or Australian Aid International contact: Marc Preston on mpreston@aai.org.au

6th January, 2006

AUSTRALIAN AID INTERNATIONAL (AAI) DEPLOYS DISASTER ASSESSMENT RESPONSE TEAM TO JAVA ISLAND 

Australian Aid International (AAI) has now deployed its DART (Disaster Assessment Response Team) to the Island of Java to appraise the situation after the recent landslide and floods.

AAI is currently conducting long term relief operations in the Bagh District in Kasmir, Pakistan, along the disputed Line of Control. Many of its personnel in Kashmir are working in excess of 10 feet of snow everyday to deliver still much needed medical assistance.

CEO, Marc Preston said, “Our Assessment Team heading to the Island of Java will be facing very different conditions to those currently being faced by our teams in Pakistan. The team is motivated and keen to get to the affected areas so that we can decide if we can be of help in Indonesia too.”

The landslide followed flash floods in the neighbouring east Java province, which has killed approximately 60 people and left thousands homeless thus far. The landslide occurred in Sijeruk, 370 kilometres east of Jakarta, where a torrent of mud slammed into dozens of homes after days of heavy rains.

For more information, please contact Dominic Bowen 0413 2222 01

28th October, 2005

AUSTRALIAN AID INTERNATIONAL (AAI) RACES AGAINST THE CLOCK TO SAVE VICTIMS OF THE PAKISTANI EARTHQUAKE

Australian Aid International (AAI), an Australian not for profit organisation is racing against time to reach hundreds of villagers who have still not received urgent medical attention since the October 8 earthquake which devastated Pakistan. AAI currently has medical teams operating from a base at Lasdana in Kashmir. The teams are performing their life saving tasks at heights of up to 10,000 feet in extreme weather conditions.

Within the next few weeks, severe weather and snow will cut off parts of Kashmir , parts which still have not been attended to by the military or other NGO's due to their shear remoteness.   Our medical teams are still treating women and children for serious wound infections and broken bones, many of whom who have had to be evacuated from the area.

Working closely with the United Nations and the World Health Fund, AAI hopes to reach all areas within the next two weeks. AAI volunteers will continue to work around the clock in one of the world's most mountainous areas to treat the affected population.

AAI are continuing to supply doctors, nurses and paramedics to continue this vital work.For donations and volunteer enquires please contact Marc Preston on +61 418348077 or mpreston@aai.org.au .