In Summary
• Direct Relief is supporting health care organizations providing care to patients on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border.
• The organization is working with Mexico to deliver 650,000 doses of polio vaccine to Nicaragua this week.
• Direct Relief has provided a total of more than $234 million and 1.1 million pounds of aid to the Syrian conflict, which marked its 10th anniversary this month.
• Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal is working to detect the spread of new Covid-19 strains, with Direct Relief’s support.
Top Stories
As Migration Surges, Direct Relief Responds with Medical Aid
The situation: As a surge of migrants crosses the U.S.-Mexico border, health care providers are caring for people on both sides of the border.
The response: In addition to providing routine support to partners on each side of the southwestern border, Direct Relief staff hand-delivered multiple caches of emergency medical supplies to San Diego this weekend.
The impact: Medical services and shelter are being provided to unaccompanied minors who have crossed the border.
Mexico and Direct Relief Deliver 650,000 Polio Vaccine Doses to Nicaragua
The situation: Nicaragua is conducting a national vaccination campaign to inoculate children against the polio virus.
The response: Direct Relief, working with the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BIRMEX, and the Nicaragua Ministry of Health (MINSA), is transporting 650,000 polio vaccine doses to the country this week.
The impact: The donation will boost the country’s vital child vaccination work.
As Syria Marks a Grim Anniversary, A Look Back at Direct Relief’s Response
The situation: Civil war broke out in Syria in 2011. Millions have been displaced, and the country’s once strong health system is in crisis.
The response: Direct Relief began responding to the conflict in 2015. The organization’s response – more than $234 million and 1.1 million pounds in aid have been provided – has been one of the largest and most sustained responses in its history.
The impact: Aid has bolstered medical care to those injured or affected by combat, maternal and specialty services, mental health support for refugees, and much more.
A New Grant Will Enhance Covid-19 Variant Testing in Nepal
The situation: Dhulikhel Hospital, which works closely with the Nepali government, is launching an ambitious new project to aid in its fight against Covid-19.
The response: Direct Relief is supporting their efforts with a $50,000 grant.
The impact: The program will use random sampling to detect the spread of new Covid-19 strains in Nepal, enhancing the country’s Covid-19 response.
In Brief
The United States
• Over the past two weeks, Direct Relief has made 998 shipments to 511 United States partners, totaling more than $37 million in value.
• During that time, more than $379,000 in grants has been distributed.
• After extreme weather swept through multiple states, Direct Relief offered support to more than 300 partners and sent medical aid to health centers and a local clinic.
• A $100,000 grant will provide mental health support to renal patients in Puerto Rico.
• A health center that received a $50,000 Direct Relief grant has reached more than 10,000 patients in six months through their substance use disorder program.
Around the World
• In the past two weeks, Direct Relief has made 36 shipments to 32 international partners, totaling more than $15 million in value.
• More than $250,000 in grants was distributed over the same two weeks.
• A $100,000 grant will fight Covid-19’s impacts on South Africa.
• Direct Relief and Build Health International are rebuilding a clinic in the Bahamas at the Ministry of Health’s request.
• A $50,000 grant will support pediatric cancer patients in Belarus.
• As Mozambique’s recovery from Cyclone Eloise takes place against a backdrop of Covid-19, a $50,000 Direct Relief grant will bolster relief efforts.
