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WEB DONATIONS: http://www.hollows.org

The Fred Hollows Foundation has launched an appeal to assist the people of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan in the massive emergency and rebuilding operation following Saturday’s earthquake. CEO Brian Doolan reported that The Foundation’s long term operations in Pakistan appear not to have suffered extensive damage, leaving it well placed to take active role in on-the-ground efforts to halt the spreading health emergency. The Foundations relief efforts will be concentrated in Haripur, a badly affected region in which the organisation carries out its regular operations."In the first instance we will be channeling funds to emergency relief and quickly into rebuilding health care," said Mr Doolan

Dr Rubina Gillani, Country Manager, has put all but emergency eye surgery procedures on hold to assist the massive recovery and rebuilding operation. She identified tents, blankets and medicines as immediate priorities in the Haripur region and is coordinating with other agencies to meet this need. "People are out under the sky, under the mercy of the weather," said Dr Gillani. Dr Gillani has run The Foundation’s Pakistan program since 1998 and the organisation has partnerships with health and emergency response bodies in the Haripur region, including a direct relationship with the Pakistani Ministry of Health.  Up to 10% of donated funds may be used by The Fred Hollows Foundation to meet the cost of supporting this operation.

For further information and to arrange interviews Contact:

Brian Doolan: The Fred Hollows Foundation – 0409 991 722 / +61 2 8741 1902

bdoolan@hollows.org

David Britton: The Fred Hollows Foundation – 0411 743 320 / +61 2 8741 1920 dbritton@hollow.org

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