When Cyclone Nargis struck the south coast of Myanmar (Burma) in early May 2008 it caused widespread devastation and claimed thousands of lives.

In Pictures: Recovering from Cyclone Nargis

The International Rescue Committee was on the ground immediately, assisting survivors and assessing needs. In the initial days and weeks following the cyclone we distributed tarpaulins, mosquito nets, soap and cooking equipment to families who had been forced to take shelter in makeshift camps.

In Words: The Hospital on Middle Island

But there is still an enormous amount of work to do as communities look to recover and rebuild. In Ngapudaw Township we have built more than 300 latrines and installed washing facilties at schools and health centres; we are also working to improve and safeguard community water supplies.

In Magyi Bin village, work has begun on reconstructing the hospital which will be stocked with vital medical supplies and surgical equipment, and we are also working with the community to promote the importance of good hygiene in preventing disease.

In total, IRC health services in the Ngapudaw area of Myanmar (Burma) are benefiting 45,000 people.