WHAT: A press conference is scheduled February 4 at the Pan American Health Organization by Colombian officials and PAHO experts, who will give an update on the situation in Colombia after the earthquake, including the country's most pressing needs and the international assistance situation. Colombia's Ambassador to the OAS, Luis Alfredo Ramos Botero, and Dr. George Alleyne, director of the Pan American Health Organization, will discuss the situation and answer questions.

WHEN: The press conference will be Thursday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: PAHO Headquarters, 525 23rd St., N.W., in Room B on the 2nd Floor. PAHO is at Virginia Avenue and 23rd St., some 4 blocks south of Foggy Bottom Metro.

WHO: Colombia's Ambassador to the OAS, Luis Alfredo Ramos Botero, and the Deputy Chief of Colombia's Embassy, Juan Esteban Orduz; PAHO Director Dr. George Alleyne; PAHO's Assistant Director, Dr. Mirta Roses, who supervises country operations and the Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Program at PAHO; and Dr. Hugo Prado and other disaster experts.

WHY: Since a Magnitude 6 earthquake struck Colombia causing thousands of deaths and injuries and major damage in four departments, PAHO has urged governments and the international community to provide cash assistance to ensure a faster, more effective response to those most in need. Financial resources are needed to buy construction materials, food, drugs, clothing, kitchen utensils, and fuels. If appropriate channels are not used, shipments of materials can end up remaining warehoused for long periods of time, due to the difficulties and costs of transportation, according to Dr. Mirta Roses. PAHO has sent supply management and disaster experts and telecommunications equipment to the affected areas in Colombia, and is working closely with country officials.

PAHO: The Pan American Health Organization, founded in 1902, works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and raise the living standards of their peoples. It serves as the Regional Office of the World Health Organization, and has offices in 27 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as nine scientific and technical centers apart from its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

For more information - http://www.paho.org