International Medical Corps is continuing to monitor the situation in Egypt following the escalation of violence leading to the declaration of a month-long state of emergency.
On the morning of August 14, Egyptian security forces moved in to clear two sit-ins staged by supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi, leading to the deaths of almost 640 people and wounding hundreds more, according to the Health Ministry, and setting off waves of violence in Cairo and across the country. The latest violence follows a six-week standoff between supporters of Morsi and the country’s military, which backed Morsi’s removal, that began on June 30 with clashes that killed 50 people.
International Medical Corps is working with health facilities in order to identify the most urgent humanitarian needs. Our Emergency Response Team has been on standby since July 3 and is prepared to deliver emergency assistance. With a strong presence throughout North Africa and the Middle East, as well as a prepositioned stock of critical medicines and supplies, International Medical Corps is well placed to rapidly deliver emergency health services as needed.
International Medical Corps began operations in the Middle East in 2003, as one of the first international NGOs to enter Iraq following the start of war. Since then, International Medical Corps has expanded its presence in the region, implementing programs in Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Gaza that range from humanitarian relief to community development and health system strengthening.