WER has joined forces with a network of international relief organisations in order to rush emergency aid supplies to Zimbabwe as millions of people suffer in the midst of a desperate humanitarian crisis within the country.
One and a half tons of pharmaceutical and medical supplies are en route to Zimbabwe and will be used to treat thousands of people who are at risk from a cholera epidemic which is sweeping across the country.
WER is responding to the crisis in Zimbabwe in conjunction with Scottish charity Glasgow the Caring City (GtCC), WER Holland and International Health Partners (IHP). The emergency aid will be distributed by local organisation ADRA Zimbabwe to 12 community clinics and churches across the country which are providing emergency medical treatment to cholera victims.
It is feared that the cholera outbreak, which has already claimed more than 3,000 lives and infected more than 60,000 people, will worsen now that the rainy season has resumed.
The aid supplies will arrive in Harare this weekend and follow more than 2 months of dialogue with Zimbabwean government authorities to gain approval of acceptance of the supplies through local import customs.
WER is maintaining close contact with ADRA Zimbabwe to assess ongoing needs within Zimbabwe and will be sending further emergency supplies for distribution to families in desperate need.
For further information on WER's work, or to make a donation to help us respond to the crisis in Zimbabwe, please visit www.wer-uk.org or call the WER team on 0844 249 2129.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Brazil's Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao listens to a question during a meeting with foreign media correspondents in Rio de Janeiro February 12, 2009. Temporao will launch on Friday a campaign ...
