Read more about Zimbabwe:
Emergency Aid and Disaster Relief
Zimbabwe often suffers cholera outbreaks during its rainy season each year. But 2008-2009 outbreak became an epidemic - one of the worst in the country's history. 100,000 people were infected; the death rate topped 4.4% - more than triple the average number of fatalities.
Zimbabwe has almost no protection against cholera, which is spread by unsanitary water. To ensure families have access to clean water for drinking, AmeriCares and Procter & Gamble delivered more than 1 million packets of PŪR™ Purifier of Water to Zimbabwe. In settings like Zimbabwe's Cholera Treatment Centers, hand sanitizer is vital for health care workers and their patients. To reduce the risk of infection, AmeriCares sent a 40' sea container filled with Purell® hand sanitizer donated by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company.
AmeriCares also delivered IV fluids and solutions that help patients recover from serious dehydration. Baxter and BD donated IV solutions and supplies needed to administer IV drips from their local facilities in India. Abbott generously donated Pedialyte® to rehydrate the youngest victims of the epidemic. Children are at high risk for cholera, and, sadly, it is often most deadly for them. Children infected with cholera can become so dehydrated that their little bodies cannot even produce tears.
AmeriCares also delivered antibiotics and medicines used to treat cholera symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping and severe pain. Many of these critical relief supplies were donated by our generous corporate partners.
Read more about Preventing Cholera in the Developing World from the AmeriCares Medical Director »
Medical and Humanitarian Aid
Since 1997, AmeriCares has given more than $25 million in humanitarian, disaster and medical aid to the people of Zimbabwe. AmeriCares has helped Zimbabwe with relief supplies ranging from medicines, medical supplies and nutritional support.
In 2002 and 2003, AmeriCares delivered emergency relief to Zimbabwe as part of the Action for Africa campaign. Due to a devastating drought, a severe famine and medical crisis developed Zimbabwe and throughout southern Africa. In response, AmeriCares sent medicine, medical supplies and nutritional supplements.
Help AmeriCares save lives in Zimbabwe and around the world »
