Operational update: Preparing for Cyclone Hidaya in Kenya as medical aid leaves for 13 countries this week – Kenya

Direct Relief is in contact with medical providers in Kenya and Tanzania as they prepare for the arrival of Cyclone Hidaya after months of heavy rain this year.

By Maeve Ozimec

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 medications and supplies, including insulin, prenatal vitamins, oral rehydration tablets and more.

AFTER FLOODS, KENYA PREPARES FOR CYCLONE

In Kenya, heavy rains and flash floods have left more than 200 dead, dozens missing and more than 150,000 displaced in Nairobi, Makueni, West Pokot and Machakos counties, according to the National Disaster Operations Centre. Heavy rains have flooded the country since March, and the country is bracing for the landfall of Cyclone Hidaya, which is expected to make landfall on Friday in Kenya and Tanzania, where flood deaths have also continued to rise, reaching hundreds.

Flooding and resulting displacement can cause a number of health problems, including limited access to clean water, the proliferation of water- and vector-borne diseases, power outages, and damage to infrastructure that can limit travel to receive medical attention. Those displaced from their homes may also face exacerbated health problems, as they may be deprived of the medications and equipment needed to manage chronic illnesses, including diabetes, which can lead to a crisis and the need for emergency care.

Direct Relief has a long history of supporting 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 therapies for rare diseases. 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 the flooding and impacts of the cyclone. Direct Relief is also in contact with the Kenya Red Cross to support their emergency medical outreach and search and rescue teams. Direct Relief has also 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 impacts of the storm on communities in Kenya and Tanzania and will respond to requests for medical support as they become known.

SUPPORT HEALTH RESILIENCE IN JAMAICA IN THE FACE OF THE HURRICANE SEASON

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

Direct Relief staff met with members of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Welfare to tour the National Health Fund’s pharmaceutical distribution facilities and visit local health centers. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed to continue the flow of medical aid and support to the country’s health system.

Jamaica, like many other Caribbean nations, faces unique challenges in maintaining access to health care, particularly after natural disasters such as hurricanes. The Direct Relief grant seeks to address these challenges by supporting initiatives that improve emergency preparedness, expand access to essential medical supplies and equipment, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

PERSONAL CARE PACKAGES HALEON STAFF SUPPORT BUILDING

Over the past three months, Direct Relief has partnered with Haleon staff to pack 5,300 personal care kits, including basic hygiene items like soap, shampoo and dental care products, at nine locations. Local organizations that 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, homeless people, or others in need of basic personal care items.

OPERATIONAL SNAPSHOT

WORLD

Over the past week, Direct Relief shipped more than 5.8 million defined daily doses of medications outside the US.

The countries that received medical aid last week were:

Cambodia Ethiopia Uganda Ukraine Tanzania Paraguay Malawi Dominican Republic Sierra Leone Nigeria

USA

Direct Relief delivered 552 shipments containing almost two tonnes of medicine over the past seven days to organizations including:

Greene County Health Care dba Contentnea Health, North Carolina Cabell-Huntington Health Department, West Virginia The People’s Health Clinic, Utah The Agape Clinic, Texas Jefferson Comprehensive Health Center, Inc., Mississippi Riverside Health Center, West Virginia Greater Killeen Free Clinic, Texas Olympic Peninsula Community Clinic, Washington Community Health Net, Pennsylvania LCH Health and Community Services, Pennsylvania