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STAMFORD, Conn. – AmeriCares and Boeing today delivered an emergency shipment of medical aid to the Philippines where thousands of people are still reeling from the devastation caused by back-to-back storms this fall.
Floodwaters from Typhoon Ketsana and other storms have been slow to recede, creating a breeding ground for waterborne diseases. With tens of thousands still homeless and living in crowded evacuation centers, the threat of infectious diseases spreading remains high. Today’s shipment includes antibiotics to fight infections and treat waterborne diseases, as well as pain relievers, medical supplies and personal hygiene items.
“With thousands of people homeless, crowded into temporary shelters, survivors have an increased risk of developing serious, potentially life-threatening diseases,” said AmeriCares President & CEO Curt Welling. “The medicines and supplies we delivered today will keep families in the Philippines healthy as they rebuild their homes and their lives.”
The medical aid, valued at over $120,000 and weighing nearly 7,000 pounds, was transported to the Philippines in the cargo hold of a brand new Boeing 777 through a partnership with Boeing and Philippine Airlines.
“It is our great hope that this collaborative effort will bring some comfort to the flood victims during this very challenging time,” said Fred Kiga, vice president, State and Local Government Relations and Global Corporate Citizenship for the Northwest Region, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Today’s shipment brings the total value of AmeriCares aid to the Philippines to nearly $5 million since Typhoon Ketsana made landfall on Sept. 26.
About AmeriCaresAmeriCares is a nonprofit international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, which delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in crisis around the world. Since it was established in 1979, AmeriCares has distributed more than $12 billion in humanitarian aid to 142 countries. For more information, log onto www.AmeriCares.org.