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Helping Infants Breathe in Lebanon, Distributing Medicines in Honduras, and More

Direct Relief's Humanitarian Activity for the week of 10/03/2025 - 10/17/2025

News

Operational Update

Health workers in Lebanon provide care for an infant.after a recent donation of a medication that helps preemies breathe was distributed to 10 public hospitals. The medication was distributed by Anera and donated by Direct Relief. (Anera photo)
By Tori Gordon

Over the past week, Direct Relief has delivered 483 shipments of requested medical aid to 47 U.S. states and territories and 16 countries worldwide. The shipments contained 10.6 million defined daily doses of medication.

Medications and supplies shipped this week included treatments for chronic health conditions and mental health, as well as emergency response support.

Infants in Lebanon Breathe Easier with Respiratory Medicines

A critical medication for infants who need respiratory support has arrived at 10 hospitals in Lebanon. Nonprofit Anera has delivered Beractant-Survanta, a critical lung surfactant for premature infants born before 34 weeks, to the NICUs of 10 public hospitals across the country.  

The medication, donated by Direct Relief, helps babies born prematurely to breathe until their lungs are strong enough to do it on their own. The donation is the most recent shipment of this life-saving medicine, covering the national need for five months and estimated to save the lives of 150 newborns, increasing survival rates by at least 45% compared to similar treatments, according to Anera. 

Direct Relief has provided more than $261 million in medical support to Lebanon since 2009.

Medication Hub in Honduras Gets Aid the Last Mile

Medical support from Direct Relief is distributed from a warehouse, also funded by Direct Relief, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. (Courtesy photo)

This week, the Ruth Paz Foundation in Honduras highlighted ongoing activity at the medical warehouse and distribution center in San Pedro Sula, where medicines and health supplies are continuing to move through the facility to reach hospitals and clinics across the country.

The distribution center, developed with funding and support from Direct Relief and inaugurated in April 2024, has strengthened Honduras’s medical supply chain by improving storage capacity and inventory management. With the facility integrated into regular operations, Ruth Paz is able to manage larger shipments and ensure a steady flow of essential medicines to patients who face barriers to care.

The site also serves as a key resource during emergencies, helping local healthcare providers respond more quickly to hurricanes, disease outbreaks, and other crises.

Direct Relief has partnered with the Ruth Paz Foundation for more than a decade, providing over $34 million in medical material aid.

Tropical Storm Jerry Churns Through Atlantic

Tropical Storm Jerry as seen from satellite imagery on Oct. 9, 2025. (NOAA image)

Direct Relief is monitoring Tropical Storm Jerry as warnings remain in effect across parts of the Eastern Caribbean. While the storm is not currently forecast to make landfall, heavy rain and storm surge are expected in the region.

Direct Relief has coordinated with regional partner the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and remains ready to support. Emergency resources already prepositioned in the region include three Hurricane Preparedness Packs and 54 emergency medical backpacks for rapid deployment. Recent resilience investments through Direct Relief’s $3 million grant to OECS have also strengthened medical infrastructure and emergency readiness across the region.

Direct Relief Equips Search and Rescue Organization with New Vehicle

With support from Direct Relief, Ventura County East Valley Search and Rescue has enhanced its emergency response capacity with a new 4×4 rescue vehicle. The vehicle was funded through Direct Relief’s Search and Rescue Fund, which provides equipment and operational support to volunteer rescue teams responding to emergencies and disasters.

Direct Relief staff meets with the Ventura County Search and Rescue team in the field (Photo courtesy of Antonio Arizo, Ventura County East Valley Search and Rescue).

The new vehicle is currently in active use for search and rescue missions in remote or difficult terrain, and evacuations of residents who cannot safely leave on their own. The vehicle also supports field logistics, such as transporting water, equipment, and medical supplies.

In addition to vehicle funding, Direct Relief provided emergency operating funds during the recent Los Angeles wildfires to support the team’s mutual aid deployments.

Operational Snapshot

UNITED STATES

Direct Relief delivered 444 shipments containing 1.8 million doses of medication this past week to organizations, including the following:

  • La Community Health Center, California
  • South Texas Family Planning & Health Corporation, Texas
  • Volunteers In Medicine- San Diego Inc, California
  • North Hudson Community Action Corporation- Warehouse, New Jersey
  • Community Medical Wellness, California
  • PanCare Golden Pharmacy, Florida
  • The Damien Center, Indiana
  • HIV Alliance, Oregon
  • Clinica Esperanza/ Hope Clinic, Rhode Island
  • Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Northern Mariana Islands

AROUND THE WORLD

Globally, Direct Relief shipped over 8.8 million defined daily doses of medication, totaling 68,909 lbs., to countries including the following:

  • Pakistan
  • Ukraine
  • India
  • Ghana
  • Tunisia
  • Ethiopia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Paraguay

YEAR-TO-DATE

Since January 1, 2025, Direct Relief has delivered 22.7K shipments to 2,550 partner organizations in 54 U.S. states and territories and 86 countries. These shipments contained 241.3 million defined daily doses of medication, valued at $1.6 billion wholesale, totaling 3.3 million lbs.

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