Medical Emergency Relief International

Medical Emergency Relief International

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Merlin's work in Liberia

Medical Emergency Relief International (commonly known as Merlin) was a British humanitarian organization that provided medical aid to populations affected by natural disasters, conflict, and disease outbreaks. Founded in 1993, Merlin operated in over 40 countries, delivering emergency medical care and supporting health systems in crisis-affected regions.

History

Merlin was established by a group of doctors and humanitarian workers who recognized the need for a specialized organization focused on delivering medical aid in emergencies. The organization quickly gained a reputation for its ability to respond rapidly to crises and for its commitment to working in some of the most challenging environments.

Mission and Objectives

Merlin's mission was to provide medical relief to vulnerable populations in times of crisis. The organization aimed to save lives and reduce suffering by delivering essential health care services, supporting local health systems, and building the capacity of local health workers.

Operations

Merlin's operations were characterized by their flexibility and adaptability. The organization deployed medical teams to areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. These teams provided a range of services, including emergency medical care, maternal and child health services, and disease prevention and control.

Emergency Response

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Merlin's operations in Darfur

Merlin was known for its rapid response to emergencies. The organization maintained a roster of medical professionals who could be deployed at short notice to provide immediate assistance in crisis situations. Merlin's emergency response teams were equipped to set up field hospitals, conduct mass vaccination campaigns, and deliver essential medical supplies.

Health System Support

In addition to emergency response, Merlin worked to strengthen local health systems in the countries where it operated. This involved training local health workers, improving health infrastructure, and supporting the delivery of essential health services. Merlin's goal was to ensure that communities could continue to access quality health care even after the organization had left.

Maternal and Child Health

Maternal health services provided by Merlin

Merlin placed a strong emphasis on maternal and child health, recognizing the critical importance of these services in reducing mortality and improving health outcomes. The organization implemented programs to improve access to antenatal care, safe delivery services, and postnatal care. Merlin also worked to prevent and treat childhood illnesses, such as pneumonia and diarrhea.

Notable Projects

Merlin was involved in numerous high-profile humanitarian responses, including:

• The Darfur conflict, where Merlin provided medical care to displaced populations.
• The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, where Merlin delivered emergency medical aid to affected communities.
• The Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, where Merlin supported efforts to contain the outbreak and treat affected individuals.

Merger with Save the Children

In 2013, Merlin merged with Save the Children, a global children's charity. The merger aimed to combine the strengths of both organizations to enhance their ability to respond to emergencies and support health systems worldwide. Following the merger, Merlin's programs and expertise were integrated into Save the Children's operations.

Related Pages

• Humanitarian aid
• Emergency medicine
• Global health
• Save the Children

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Merlin's work in Myanmar

External Links

• [Save the Children Official Website](https://www.savethechildren.org)