After the February 2023 earthquakes, the Medical Search and Rescue Association (Medikal Arama Kurtarma Derneği – MEDAK) stepped in to address critical healthcare needs, with a special focus on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). MEDAK supports medical personnel in providing active field services during disasters and humanitarian crises, equipping them with the necessary training for emergencies.
Our Support
The earthquakes severely disrupted healthcare services, damaging infrastructure and limiting access to essential care – especially for women and vulnerable groups. MEDAK responded by working to restore sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, ensuring access to safe childbirth support, contraceptives, and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
To make healthcare more accessible, MEDAK expanded its HERA Digital Health Mobile App, which provides vital information on SRH and GBV, tracks child vaccinations, locates nearby healthcare facilities, and offers pregnancy monitoring tools. Additionally, MEDAK developed an online healthcare map to help earthquake survivors find temporary healthcare stations.
Supported by our Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, MEDAK provided thousands of women with essential health services, information, and digital health tools to ensure uninterrupted care. Through this support, MEDAK:
- Reached 2,188 women in Hatay with awareness sessions on SRH and gender-based violence (GBV).
- Distributed 57,729 hygiene kits, benefiting over 78,000 people.
- Enhanced the HERA Digital Health Mobile App, integrating an AI-supported WhatsApp chatbot for real-time health information.
- Published two reports assessing the state of SRH and GBV in disaster-affected regions.
Delivering healthcare in post-disaster areas came with many challenges, including water shortages, limited resources, and harsh conditions. MEDAK tackled these obstacles through strong local partnerships, direct community engagement, and volunteer support.
MEDAK is committed to expanding healthcare access for migrants, refugees, and disaster-affected communities through innovative digital solutions. With the AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot and secure digital health records, they aim to improve service efficiency and reach more people in need.
Thank You to Our Donors
Your support has been instrumental in making healthcare services more accessible and effective for women and children affected by the earthquakes. Together, we can continue to protect the right to health and empower communities to rebuild their lives.
Please read our interview with MEDAK to learn more about their inspiring work.
