Press action medeor

Known as the "World's Emergency Pharmacy," action medeor operates in many emerging and developing countries, providing people with medicines and other healthcare services. The organization maintains medical warehouses in Germany, Tanzania, and Malawi, from which medical logistics supply chains are managed. "We will intensify our efforts over the coming months to ensure as many people as possible have access to healthcare," announced board spokesperson Sid Peruvemba. "We know that we certainly cannot fill all the supply gaps caused by the freezing of U.S. development aid worldwide. But we believe in what we do – and as a civil society organization, we are now doing our part to help those who would otherwise suffer or even die without medical treatment."

The dramatic impact of the sudden halt in USAID funding on development aid projects worldwide has now been confirmed. "Although action medeor is not directly affected by the USAID cuts, we have noticed that many of our partner organizations have suddenly lost the funds needed to procure medicines," reports Peruvemba. "We are now trying to bridge the funding gaps for these deliveries through our own donation funds," he announced. The extent to which this can be achieved also depends on the level of support action medeor receives from its donors. "That is why we are currently making an active appeal for donations to support global medical aid," said Peruvemba.

At the same time, emergency calls from global projects are increasing. "We are receiving alarming messages from project partners in many different countries," Peruvemba explained. For example, in Somalia, many USAID-funded nutrition and health programs have been abruptly halted. "This could lead to a rise in malnutrition – in a country where around 1.7 million children are already undernourished," Peruvemba described the consequences. If these weakened children contract a simple case of diarrhea or a respiratory infection, it could be fatal. "That makes it all the more important that we maintain medical and healthcare supplies for as long and as effectively as possible," Peruvemba urged.

In Tanzania and many other African countries, funding for research and treatment programs against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria is also at risk. "This could undo years of progress in combating these diseases," Peruvemba warned. Additionally, the freezing of USAID funds has disrupted supply chains for medicines in many countries. "Ongoing treatment programs are now at risk," said Peruvemba – and the effects could even reach Germany. Experience has shown that supply interruptions lead to a significant increase in counterfeit medicines. This, in turn, raises the risk of resistance – meaning pathogens become immune to medications, and infections can no longer be treated. "This could eventually become a global problem that even the world's wealthy nations cannot escape," Peruvemba emphasized.

Overall, Peruvemba stated, the suspension of USAID development cooperation and humanitarian aid funds has severe consequences for the direct care of at least 120 million people in more than 100 countries. "If this decision remains in place, it will impact the global humanitarian system," Peruvemba warned. "That makes it all the more important for civil society organizations like action medeor to remain committed to their humanitarian responsibilities and stand by those in need."

Anyone who wishes to support action medeor's work can do so with a donation. Donations can be made online at www.medeor.de/spenden, where donors can also provide their address for a donation receipt. Traditional bank transfers can be made to IBAN DE783205 0000 0000 0099 93 at Sparkasse Krefeld, donation reference: "Emergency aid worldwide."

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