×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

In Northern Pakistan, Equipping First Responders After Deadly Flooding

Direct Relief's Humanitarian Activity for the week of 08/22/2025 - 08/28/2025

News

Operational Update

Direct Relief-provided field medic packs are used to equip first responders providing triage care during floods in Pakistan. (Photo courtesy of the Marafie Foundation)

Over the past week, Direct Relief shipped 446 consignments of requested medical aid to 41 U.S. states and territories and 15 countries worldwide — from Nigeria to North Carolina to the West Bank.

These shipments contained 5.5 million defined daily doses of medication — treatments for autoimmune diseases, rare conditions, and diabetes, as well as prenatal vitamins and other essential medicines and supplies.

Equipping First Responders in Pakistan

Direct Relief equipped first responders providing triage care during floods in Pakistan with essential medical supplies. (Photo courtesy of the Marafie Foundation)

Direct Relief has supported flood response efforts in Pakistan’s mountainous north, which has been devastated by deadly flooding in recent months. Unprecedented rainfall has caused glacial lakes to overflow, triggering landslides and flash floods. More than 400 people have died, entire villages have been swept away, homes destroyed, and infrastructure washed out — leaving many communities cut off and complicating rescue operations.

For more than 25 years, the Marafie Foundation — a long-time Direct Relief partner — has worked to expand healthcare access in the region. With strategically pre-positioned supplies from Direct Relief, including field medic packs, prenatal vitamins, and diagnostic tools, volunteer medical teams were able to respond quickly in flood-affected areas.

Direct Relief-donated medicines equip a medical outreach clinic during floods in Pakistan. (Photo courtesy of the Marafie Foundation)

Search and rescue teams reached stranded mountaineers and isolated villages, while medical teams treated the injured and displaced. In one village near the Line of Control — the militarized boundary between India and Pakistan — the Marafie Foundation organized a mobile medical camp. Doctors provided urgent care, distributed Direct Relief-donated medicines, and supported families whose homes and infrastructure had been destroyed.

Expanding Cold Chain Capacity in the West Bank

Medical-grade refrigerators are installed at Al Ahli Hospital in the West Bank. (Courtesy photo)

Conflict in the West Bank has severely disrupted access to insulin and other essential medicines. For people with diabetes, interruptions in supply pose life-threatening risks.

Direct Relief, working with on-the-ground partners and in coordination with local and national agencies, is supporting diabetes care through regular insulin deliveries. Since January, the organization has supplied more than 20 healthcare facilities across the West Bank—enough to treat an estimated 5,500 patients for three months—with another shipment already en route.

Beyond supplying medicines, Direct Relief is working to strengthen local healthcare capacity. In July, the organization installed eight medical-grade refrigerators at Al Ahli Hospital to ensure safe insulin storage. By protecting temperature-sensitive treatments, the new capacity gives people with diabetes a more reliable supply of the medication they need to stay healthy.

Supporting Midwives in Nigeria

Direct Relief is supporting midwifery efforts at St. Charles Hospital. (Photo courtesy of UVOL Foundation)

Direct Relief-provided midwife kits continue to support safe deliveries at St. Charles Hospital in Nigeria. The kits contain 61 items required for safe, facility-based births.

The U-VOL Foundation has led ongoing health trainings for hospital staff, focusing on advanced maternal and neonatal care. Recent sessions included neonatal resuscitation, managing obstetric emergencies, and using essential supplies to ensure safe deliveries.

Nigeria has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, according to the World Health Organization. By strengthening the skills of midwives, nurses, and community health workers, U-VOL and Direct Relief aim to improve maternal outcomes and save lives.

Operational Snapshot

UNITED STATES

Direct Relief 418 shipments departed containing 1 million doses of medication during the past week to organizations, including the following:

  • St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy Cincinnati, Ohio
  • PanCare of Florida, Inc. Malone, Florida
  • Hands of Hope Medical Clinic, North Carolina
  • Samaritans Touch Care Center, Florida
  • Mission Arlington Medical Clinic, Texas
  • Clinica Esperanza/ Hope Clinic, Rhode Island
  • Bolingbrook Christian Health Center, Illinois
  • Tree Of Life Healthcare, Georgia
  • Asociación Puertorriqueña Probienestar De Las Familias, Profamilias, Puerto Rico
  • EXCELth Family Health Center Gentilly, Louisiana

Around the World

Globally, Direct Relief shipped over 4.5 million defined daily doses of medication, totaling 72,173 lbs., to countries including:

  • Ukraine
  • Sierra Leone
  • Vanuatu
  • Zambia
  • Pakistan
  • Ecuador
  • Central African Republic
  • Afghanistan

YEAR-TO-DATE

Since January 1, 2025, Direct Relief has delivered 19.6K shipments to 2,390 partner organizations in 54 U.S. states and territories and 85 countries. These shipments included 187.1 million defined daily doses of medication, valued at $1.4 billion wholesale, totaling 2.9 million lbs.

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.