Press action medeor

• Local markets for protective equipment are overstretched
• Infection numbers are rising rapidly in several provinces
• High risk of infection for humanitarian workers and medical personnel

As early as last week, the "World’s Emergency Pharmacy," as action medeor is also known, released 20,000 euros in immediate aid to equip medical personnel in the Congo with protective gear. Now, in parallel, the first relief supplies are also being assembled in Germany to be sent to the Ebola-affected region as quickly as possible.

“There is an immense need for personal protective equipment in the affected regions of Ituri province, which can no longer be met with local resources alone,” explains Irmgard Buchkremer, Chief Pharmacist at action medeor. “Local markets are now completely overstretched, which is why we have provided additional funds for aid shipments from Germany,” Buchkremer adds.

In a first step, protective suits, gloves, masks, infrared forehead thermometers, disinfectants, and electrolyte solutions worth around 40,000 euros are now being assembled at action medeor’s medical warehouse in Tönisvorst on the Lower Rhine - around 25 pallets weighing 6.5 tons. “These supplies are primarily intended for doctors and nursing staff,” explains Buchkremer. “From previous Ebola epidemics, we have learned that protecting people who work in healthcare facilities is absolutely crucial,” the pharmacist emphasizes. “On the one hand, they are essential for identifying infection cases and containing the epidemic; on the other hand, they are among the groups most at risk because they are exposed to a high risk of infection on a daily basis.”

The same now applies to humanitarian workers on the ground. “At the moment, we can only continue our humanitarian measures under extremely difficult conditions because there is not enough protective material for all aid workers,” reports Markus Bremers, press spokesperson for action medeor. “The teams of our local partners are nevertheless on site to coordinate relief efforts. At the same time, we have begun raising awareness among the population through digital formats, so that hygiene measures such as handwashing and avoiding physical contact can be implemented,” Bremers continues.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Ebola-affected areas is becoming increasingly critical. “Our partners in the region report that there are now more than 1,000 suspected cases and 230 deaths in Ituri province alone,” says Bremers. Infection numbers are also rising rapidly in neighboring provinces. “In South Kivu province, where there were only very few reported infections a few days ago, more than 100 suspected cases have now reportedly been registered; three of these cases have been clearly identified as Ebola infections, and one person has already died,” Bremers adds. “The number of unreported cases is likely much higher, which is why we, as a medical aid organization, are deeply concerned.”

The relief supplies currently being packed in Tönisvorst are intended to be transported as quickly as possible by air freight to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and distributed to the most affected regions. “We are coordinating with international and local aid organizations to ensure that the supplies are distributed as widely and as quickly as possible to where they are most urgently needed,” explains Bremers. Further shipments are also planned. “The next delivery is already being prepared,” says Bremers, “and depending on the level of donations we receive, more shipments will follow.”

Anyone wishing to support the work of action medeor can do so with a donation. Donations can be made online at www.medeor.de, where donors can also leave their address for a donation receipt. Alternatively, donations can be made via IBAN DE78 3205 0000 0000 0099 93 at Sparkasse Krefeld, reference: “Emergency Aid Worldwide.”

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