Direct Relief focuses on strengthening existing, fragile health systems in poor areas with resources that enable the trained health workers already there to address the tremendous needs. The effect is that doctors, nurses, and midwives can care for people who are sick or hurt and have no money and, in turn, give these people in vulnerable situations the chance to survive and realize their inherent human potential.
It is in these effects that the value in human terms is realized for the money spent.
Strengthening frontline clinics in poor areas, both around the world and in the U.S., also creates a network for responding to disasters, which often hit poor people hardest and stress these very same health facilities caring for newly impoverished people.
Women and children are disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes in developing countries and here in the United States. Direct Relief places a high priority on improving the health of these most vulnerable populations by working with programs emphasizing maternal and child health.
Direct Relief also focuses on providing assistance for primary care health clinics, combating HIV/AIDS through strengthening the health infrastructure and capacity of health partners worldwide, furnishing assistance for special initiatives, and responding to disasters.
