22 May—The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No. 7 today.
The full text of the News Release is as follows: —

1. The Union of Myanmar invited health care teams from neighbouring countries to provide health care to the victims to the storm ‘Nargis’ that hit the nation. The 47-member team from the Republic of India that arrived on 17 May is providing health care with heart and soul in Pyapon and Bogale region; the 50-member team from the People’s Republic of China that arrived on 18 May, in Kungyangon region; the 30-member team from Thailand that arrived on 17 May, in Myaungmya and Labutta region; the 23-member team from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic that arrived on 18 May, in Kyauktan region; and the 33-member team from Bangladesh that arrived on 21 May, in Maubin region, totaling 183 members from five countries.

2. Health staff from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defence, and medical experts from NGOs, totaling 2029, and members from various private enterprises, private medical experts, members of Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, and other health care and relief groups totaling about 36,000 in the aftermath of the storm headed for the storm-affected areas as soon as possible, and they are providing health care to the victims. Now, the medical teams from neighbouring countries are working in cooperation with them, thereby strengthening the health care to the victims.

3. In the meantime, internal and international donors are continuously donating medicines and relief supplies, which are being used effectively in the health care services.

4. Therefore, we hereby announce that we heartily thank the countries, governments and their people for contributing to the health care of the victims to the storm ‘Nargis’.