In response to the volcanic eruptions at Mount Merapi, the Singapore Red Cross freighted 1 million face masks to the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia - PMI) for the survivors and relief workers. The 3-ply nano face mask protected them against bacteria, dust, air-borne diseases and viruses.

Mr Christopher Chua, Secretary General of the Singapore Red Cross shared, "When I visited the Mentawai Islands to assess the impact of the disaster, and to discuss the immediate needs for the twin disasters with the Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross, Pak Jusuff Kalla, the face mask was identified as a crucial need, as the survivors and relief workers were falling ill just breathing the air."

The Singapore Red Cross also earmarked US$100,000 for the purchase of family kits, hygiene kits and medical supplies for the survivors of the Mentawai Island tsunami disaster. In addition, the Singapore Red Cross pledged its support for the next phase which involved the reconstruction of 500 houses for the survivors.

Rebuilding Communities Programme

Four members of the Adult Volunteer Division went on a medical mission trip to Batticaloa, Sri Lanka between 17 and 25 April 2010. They served as first aiders whose primary responsibilities were triage, wound dressing and medicine dispensing.

International Relief - reconstruction and rehabilitation

Post-disaster, every effort in the recovery process requires meticulous planning to ensure that aid goes beyond getting the survivors back on their feet again. The Singapore Red Cross believes in going the distance to ensure the recovery efforts have empowered the survivors and the community to be self-sustainable.

Meulaboh General Hospital

On 2 July 2010, Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, handed over the $12 million Meulaboh General Hospital to the Indonesian health authorities in a ceremony attended by 500 guests in Indonesia.

The Meulaboh General Hospital was a collaborative effort by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), Temasek Holdings and the Government of Singapore. The community hospital is the main referral hospital serving a population of more than 200,000 in South and West Aceh, and was rebuilt and refurbished at its original site spanning two hectares. The enhanced facilities and increased capacity are expected to meet the growing needs of Acehnese for quality healthcare.

Said Mr Tee Tua Ba, "The success of this project is a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of our people, and is an excellent demonstration of international collaboration."