Flights carrying 15 tons of emergency supplies for five aid organizations combatting cholera and other critical needs have arrived in Maputo
As communities across Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi fight to recover from the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai, international disaster and humanitarian relief organization Airlink transported 15 tons of emergency supplies to address critical needs, including cholera prevention.
The aid transported for Airlink partners Americares, Afya Foundation, GlobalMedic, MedShare and Save the Children was flown from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and arrived in Maputo, Mozambique last week.
Torrential rains and resulting flooding from Cyclone Idai, which made landfall near Beira, Mozambique on March 14, not only caused immediate destruction, but also left survivors vulnerable to water-borne and vector-borne diseases. The number of confirmed cases of cholera, malaria and acute diarrhea is quickly rising.
Medicines, water filters, birthing kits, hygiene items, solar lights and materials to create safe spaces for children were among the supplies transported.
“Our partner organizations are in a race to help survivors and combat the spread of illnesses like cholera,” said Steven J. Smith, President and CEO of Airlink. “Through the power and speed of aviation, we are bringing lifesaving assistance to those needing it most.”
In addition to transporting aid, Airlink provided flights for 36 relief workers representing seven aid organizations responding to Cyclone Idai. Cash donations from Airlink supporters and assistance from Kenya Airways, South African Airways and United Airlines, made the flights possible.
The transportation provided free-of-charge to aid organizations by Airlink is allowing them to make an immediate impact on survivors and communities as they recover.
Organizations like Ontario-based GlobalMedic rely on Airlink to quickly deploy their response assets.
“Our teams are on the ground installing point of source water purification units to ensure families have access to clean drinking water. They have opened an air bridge to receive and distribute family emergency kits that include water purification, hygiene items and oral rehydration sachets,” said Rahul Singh, executive director of GlobalMedic. “Airlink’s team worked feverishly to get our rescuers deployed and in the field so they could save lives.”
Families and children are among the most vulnerable disaster survivors. For Airlink partner Save the Children, the organization’s support is helping to provide families with basic necessities as they recover from the physical and psychological impacts of the crisis.
“By generously providing transportation for relief supplies, Airlink is enabling Save the Children to get these critical items to those families and children who need it most, as quickly as possible,” said Carolyn Miles, President and CEO of Save the Children. “We are grateful to Airlink for helping us respond to the urgent crisis Cyclone Idai has caused for children in Mozambique.”
US-based health-focused relief organization Americares is concentrating on survivors’ medical care with the help of Airlink.
“With health centers damaged or destroyed and more than 220,000 people displaced there is an urgent need for medicine and relief supplies,” said Brian Scheel, Americares director of emergency response. “Thanks to Airlink’s generous support, critically needed relief supplies are on the way to survivors.”
Due to continued need and requests from partners to transport additional aid and relief workers, Airlink is raising funds to support future flights and operations. Those interested in donating are encouraged to contact Airlink at (202) 480-9241 or donate online.
