Press action medeor

In a first step, the “World’s Emergency Pharmacy,” as action medeor is also known, has released 20,000 euros in immediate aid to equip healthcare workers on the ground with gloves, masks, aprons, and coveralls. The protective equipment is being procured locally by partner organizations to ensure it reaches the affected regions as quickly as possible. At the same time, potential aid shipments are being prepared from the medical warehouse in Germany.

“We are initially focusing on supplying medical personnel in the provinces of Ituri and South Kivu,” reports Markus Bremers, press spokesperson for action medeor. In Ituri, the Ebola outbreak is currently most severe, while in South Kivu preventive measures are being taken to curb further spread.

“From experience with previous Ebola epidemics, we know that early action is particularly important to contain the spread of infection. That is why speed is essential now,” explains Bremers. “Medical personnel play a key role in this,” he adds. “Doctors and nurses are indispensable for detecting and treating infections, yet they are also particularly at risk. That is why protecting them is so important right now.”

Meanwhile, action medeor’s staff are receiving alarming reports from the affected regions. “The situation is very dramatic. The epidemic is spreading like wildfire in a highly unstable region,” reports Jean Mudekereza, project coordinator of the local aid organization AFPDE, with which action medeor works in the DR Congo. “The population is under severe psychological strain. In some families, several deaths occurred after family gatherings, so people are living in great fear,” says Mudekereza.

There is also another problem: the restrictions now being imposed to combat Ebola are hitting the population hard, as they often prevent people from earning their daily wages. “All the restrictions placed on the population are making life very difficult and complicated. For people who depend on agriculture, there is the additional uncertainty that prevents them from going to their fields, and this epidemic is further worsening the situation, pushing people into hunger and malnutrition,” Mudekereza summarizes.

Anyone wishing to support the work of action medeor can do so with a donation. Donations can be made online at www.medeor.de/spenden, where you can also provide your address to receive a donation receipt. Alternatively, donations can be made via bank transfer to IBAN DE78 3205 0000 0000 0099 93 at Sparkasse Krefeld, reference: “Emergency Aid Worldwide.”