Operational Update: Preparing for Cyclone Hidaya in Kenya as Medical Aid Departs for 13 Countries This Week

Over the past seven days, Direct Relief has delivered 267 shipments of requested medical aid to 37 U.S. states and territories and 13 countries worldwide.

The shipments contained 6.7 million defined daily doses of medication and supplies, including insulin, prenatal vitamins, oral rehydration tablets, and more.

After Flooding, Kenya Prepares for Cyclone

In Kenya, heavy rains and flash floods have left more than 200 people dead, dozens missing, and over 150,000 people displaced across Nairobi, Makueni, West Pokot and Machakos counties according to the National Disaster Operations Center. Heavy rains have inundated the country since March, and the country is bracing for landfall from Cyclone Hidaya, expected to make landfall Friday in Kenya and Tanzania, where flooding fatalities have also continued to rise into the hundreds.

Flooding and resulting displacement can cause a host of health problems, including limited access to clean drinking water, the proliferation of water- and vector-borne illnesses, power outages, and damaged infrastructure that can limit travel to receive medical care. Those who are displaced from their homes may also face compounding health issues, as they may be cut off from medications and equipment needed to manage chronic conditions, including diabetes, which can escalate into crisis and the need for emergency care.

Direct Relief has a long history of support to Kenya, and has provided more than $40 million in medical support to health facilities across the country. This includes general medical support, insulin for patients managing diabetes, and rare disease therapies. Kenyatta National Hospital is one hospital that has received this medical support from Direct Relief in the past, and the organization is in communication with the hospital about medical needs resulting from flooding and the cyclone's impacts. Direct Relief is also in contact with the Kenyan Red Cross Society to support their emergency medical outreach and search and rescue teams. Direct Relief also has supported medical facilities in Tanzania with more than $74 million in medical aid, including during times of disaster, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019.

Direct Relief will continue to monitor the storm's impacts on communities in Kenya and Tanzania and respond to requests for medical support as they become known.

Supporting Health Resilience in Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Season

Direct Relief this week announced a US$3 million grant to Jamaica as part of its ongoing commitment to bolstering resilience in the Caribbean region. This contribution, which will support the installation of a large solar energy system at a central primary pharmaceutical distribution facility, comes as part of the organization's renewal of its ongoing partnership with the island nation, aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies.

Direct Relief staff met with members of Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Wellness to tour the National Health Fund Pharmaceutical Distribution Facility and visit local health centers. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed to continue the flow of medical aid and support to the nation's health system.

Jamaica, like many other nations in the Caribbean, faces unique challenges in maintaining healthcare access, particularly in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes. Direct Relief's grant seeks to address these challenges by supporting initiatives that enhance emergency preparedness, expand access to essential medical supplies and equipment, and fortify healthcare infrastructure.

Haleon Staff Support Building of Personal Care Packs

Over the past three months, Direct Relief has partnered with Haleon staff to pack 5,300 personal care kits, which include basic hygiene items like soap, shampoo, and dental care products, across nine locations. Local organizations who received these kits, including NeoMed Center, Inc. and Corporación La Fondita de Jesús, attended these events to share more about their work within the community with the Haleon team.

The kits have been distributed to local organizations working with migrant and refugee populations, people experiencing homelessness, or others in need of basic personal care items.

Operational Snapshot

WORLDWIDE

Over the last week, Direct Relief shipped more than 5.8 million defined daily doses of medication outside the U.S.

Countries that received medical aid over the past week included:

UNITED STATES

Direct Relief delivered 552 shipments containing almost two tons of medications during the past seven days to organizations, including the following:

YEAR TO DATE

Since January 1, 2024, Direct Relief has delivered 7,932 shipments to 1,591 partner organizations in 54 U.S. states and territories and 69 countries.

These shipments contained 125.6 million defined daily doses of medication totaling 2.4 million lbs.

IN THE NEWS

Kee Cha-E-Nar Corporation Receives $250k from Direct Relief's Fund for Health Equity -The Yurok Tribe

Health Sector Receives US$3 Million from Direct Relief - Jamaica Information Service

Midwifery in the Era of Climate Change: Lessons from the wildfires in Maui - International Confederation of Midwives

Direct Relief Supporting Family Health in Ukraine - Angels in Medicine

Direct Relief Donates US$3 Million to Health Sector - Philanthropy News Digest

Direct Relief Donates $3 Million to Strengthen Jamaica's Health System - Caribbean National Weekly

Expanding Hope: A New Dawn in Dnipro - Levitate

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