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Argentina
Argentina's economic collapse in late 2001 had severe consequences for the country's civilians. Extreme financial hardship made it difficult for many people to pay for medical care.The public health system went from providing care to 30 percent of the population to assisting up to 70 percent (many of whom previously had been covered by private insurance). While demand at all health structures increased enormously, supplies dwindled and health staff could not meet the ever-growing needs. MSF started a project in 2002 to provide basic medical supplies and medicines to hospitals in the country's northern region – historically one of its most disadvantaged areas. MSF assisted hospitals in the Salta and Jujuy provinces and in 2003 also aided facilities in the Formosa and Chaco provinces. MSF donated medicines and medical supplies to the hospitals and helped manage pharmacies until December 2003. The project concluded at the end of 2003. In May 2003, heavy rainfall caused floods affecting more than 110,000 people living in Santa Fe province. For two months after the disaster, an MSF team provided emergency help to improve shelter and increase water and sanitation facilities. The team also monitored the area for disease outbreaks. MSF worked in Argentina from 2001 until 2003. |
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