In response to the Asian tsunami of 26th December 2004, JOICFP is delivering assistance to Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia, and to areas affected in Sri Lanka. JOICFP wishes to emphasize mutual cooperation and partnership with the people of Asia, especially those at the grassroots level who need assistance.

JOICFP's counterpart in Indonesia, the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA), had staff killed and its clinic in Banda Aceh destroyed. There were few clinics in the area, so the loss affects many people.

JOICFP proposed assistance to IPPF headquarters and regional offices to work with IPPA and Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL) and has collected funds for Indonesia and Sri Lanka. In addition, JOICFP is strengthening its fundraising campaign in Japan.

Indonesia

Although there is a need for immediate commodity assistance, delivery is difficult since infrastructure is damaged or nonexistent, and in Banda Aceh access to the region has been restricted, especially to outsiders, for a long time due to political tensions.

JOICFP is focusing on medium-term Mother and Child Health (MCH) assistance such as safe motherhood and reproductive health, especially as few agencies are doing this. The White Ribbon Alliance estimates around 1,650 midwives in North Sumatra lost their lives, some 30% of those in the region. Furthermore, many who survived are injured or traumatized, increasing the need for external MCH assistance.

IPPF and JOICFP are planning to visit Banda Aceh, Indonesia, in April to assess needs and receive the latest information from IPPA to better inform the Japanese public of the situation in JOICFP's Tsunami Relief Campaign.

Sri Lanka

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka has requested JOICFP to provide bicycles be sent to assist in reaching outlying areas, and MCCOBA has agreed to ship 150 bicycles in March. In response to a JOICFP request, the Japan Relief Clothing Center agreed to provide assistance as well.