Press Information 12th January 2005
12.01.2005 - The devastating tsunami has touched the hearts of millions of
people worldwide, also colleagues in the dental family. The FDI World Dental
Federation, through its World Dental Development Fund (WDDF), is offering
aid to the Southeast Asian countries affected by the disaster and its aftermath.
As a first step in the response strategy the FDI Head Office has tried to assess the impact of the disaster on oral health and health care facilities via members and other organisations. Reports indicate that the impact on oral health is relatively low, while the World Health Organization has prioritised communicable diseases, environmental health and sanitation and psychological trauma. Oral health will likely be addressed as part of the long-term reconstruction phase of the disaster.
Experts of the FDI World Dental Development and Health Promotion Committee
will assist Member Associations and dental and medical NGOs in providing technical
advice, particularly on infection control, needs assessments and grant development.
The FDI Education Committee is developing special programmes for the next
Annual World Dental Congress to address the role of dentists in mass disasters.
The role of dental forensics will also be examined.
Monetary support for the tsunami victims and member organisations can be channelled
through the WDDF. Any programme applications related to the disaster will
also receive full priority.
"By donating to the World Dental Development Fund, we can show solidarity
with and compassion for the victims of this unparalleled disaster," said
FDI President Dr HR Yoon. "We encourage applications to the fund addressing
the tsunami disaster."
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If you wish to donate to the World Dental Development Fund please use the
following bank details for your transfer:
FDI World Dental Education Limited
Barclays Bank
PO Box 15165
50 Pall Mall
London SW1A 1QF
United Kingdom
IBAN: GB20BARC20658290789453
Swift Code: BARCGB22
Please state clearly the purpose of the transfer, i.e. "Donation WDDF"!
For further information please contact:
Dr Habib Benzian
Development & Public Health Manager
hbenzian@fdiworldental.org
About the FDI:
The FDI is the authoritative, worldwide voice of dentistry with 156 member
associations in 137 countries around the world, representing more than 800,000
dentists worldwide.
For more information: www.fdiworldental.org