In February, 2010, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chile, affecting 2 million people and leaving 9 percent of the population homeless and displaced. AmeriCares responded with emergency airlifts and shipments of medical and humanitarian aid, to help countless Chilean families in their time of greatest need.
AmeriCares disaster shipments to Chile have included 11,500 pounds of medical supplies, including bandages and masks to protect against dust and debris; personal hygiene items to prevent infection and disease; as well as flashlights and water containers to carry safe drinking water. A second relief shipment included medicines, surgical supplies and disaster relief for survivors of the recent earthquake. Medical aid includes medicines to treat serious infections, gastrointestinal diseases and crush injuries. It also includes surgical supplies such as sutures and scalpels.
"These deliveries provided basic medical supplies and personal hygiene items which are essential for improving the quality of life for Chileans trying to recover from the earthquake,” said Christoph Gorder, Vice President of Emergency Response for AmeriCares. “They will keep families healthy as they rebuild their homes and their lives."
Since 1989, AmeriCares has delivered over $16 million in medical aid and humanitarian assistance to Chile. In addition to recent earthquake relief in Chile, AmeriCares efforts have included shipments of disaster preparedness supplies, antibiotics, children's medications and specialized medicines to treat people with hemophilia.
