Direct Relief International Supplies Aid To Refugees From Afghanistan

Direct Relief International
Thursday, 27 September 2001

International Medical Relief Organization Prepares for Large Number of Afghan Refugees Crossing into Pakistan

SANTA BARBARA, CA (September 27, 2001) - Direct Relief International has redirected a shipment of medical supplies and medicines intended for distribution in Afghanistan to the Pakistan border town of Peshawar to handle the influx of Afghani refugees along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Originally planned for three facilities in the poorest sections of Kabul, the supplies include antibiotics, sulfa drugs, anti-fungal agents, pre-natal vitamins, cardiovascular medications, and analgesics.

As a result of the escalating events, the boarder is now closed and goods cannot be sent into Afghanistan. However, before the actual boarder closing, thousands of Afghani refugees entered Pakistan seeking safety from invasion and are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

Direct Relief International is also preparing for an increased need in the region as people become displaced and medical aid becomes increasingly necessary. Despite the border closings, additional refugees are expected to cross over into Pakistan and other neighboring countries.

"Direct Relief International, along with many other relief and humanitarian assistance organizations, is aware that many people in Afghanistan have experienced great hardship under the Taliban's rule. Our assistance continues to be directed to the innocent people who have been placed in extremely vulnerable circumstances," said Thomas Tighe, President of Direct Relief International.

Founded in 1948, Direct Relief International is a non-profit, non-sectarian medical relief organization based in Santa Barbara, California. For over 50 years, Direct Relief has provided medical support with new and used medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and supplies to over 3,000 charitable health facilities worldwide. In 2000 alone, Direct Relief provided over $67 million worth of vitally needed medical items to 53 countries around the world. Direct Relief International has created a fund whereby 100% of money raised will go directly to survivors and families affected by the terrorist attacks in the U.S.

For more information, or to contact Direct Relief International, see their website at: www.directrelief.org