PQMD Commits to Long-Term Recovery in Haiti
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Stan Samples 678/303-2996
Kate Grusich 678/303-2967
Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) Commits to Long-Term Recovery in
July 12 Marks Six Months Since the
ATLANTA (July 9, 2010) -- When a 7.0-magnitude earthquake reduced major parts of Haiti to rubble, members of the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD), a humanitarian alliance, rallied to provide vital medical supplies and life-saving medicines to victims. Now, six months after one of the world's worst natural disasters, they are encouraging relief organizations across the globe to commit to
Within three days of the Jan. 12 disaster, PQMD member organizations had already pledged $15.5 million in cash and medical products to support relief efforts reaching hundreds of thousands of Haitians. Six months later, the contribution level has quadrupled to more than $66 million. With more than one million people still living in makeshift tent cities, and the Atlantic hurricane season threatening the impoverished country with another potential natural disaster, PQMD members say ongoing aid is crucial to
“There has been such an outpouring of support from both our corporate and non-profit member organizations in response to the
According to the
The worst natural disaster to hit the Western hemisphere in 200 years, the recent earthquake claimed the lives of more than 220,000 Haitians and injured more than 300,000, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Only hours after the event, PQMD’s corporate and non-profit members were on the phone with each other to identify essential medical supplies and equipment and determine who would deliver and administer the products. One member, for example, supplied hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of orthopedic supplies provided for the unprecedented number of crush injuries, while another helped fund emergency response units, blankets, clean water, temporary shelter and medical supplies. A different company sent oral and topical antibiotics, while another shipped hygiene kits.
Corporate donations often rise to the occasion following disasters like
“Our members are often first responders when disaster strikes,” said Myron Aldrink, chair of PQMD and executive director, Western Michigan office of Medical Teams International. “By having the right medical supplies in the right place, administered by the right people, we have helped to alleviate some of the suffering and, ultimately, saved thousands of lives.”
Haitian officials say PQMD member organizations have played a key role in the nation’s relief efforts the past six months, particularly when it comes to providing necessary medical equipment and educating local health care providers. One member alone helped conduct inventory on 60 percent of
Still, the earthquake has taken a heavy toll on the nation’s population, the majority of who live on less than $2 per day. Government leaders and PQMD member organizations warn that hundreds of thousands of people are still at risk from major health complications related to living in camps and other substandard conditions around the country. In addition, many of the longer-term recovery and reconstruction programs are only just beginning to take effect.
"It’s important to remember that the road to recovery will be long," said PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses. "There will need to be ongoing assistance from international donors to help meet the massive humanitarian health needs that continue to exist."
For individuals and corporations who want to give, PQMD recommends donors look for an organization with pharmacological experience, established relationships with government officials or non-governmental organizations and a strong field presence. To access the full PQMD Donor Guide, and for information detailing where PQMD member donations have been sent and how they are being used, as well as case studies detailing PQMD members’ relief assistance in Haiti, visit http://www.pqmd.org.
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ABOUT PQMD:
Formed in 1996, the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) is a humanitarian alliance of manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, as well as non-profit charitable organizations working in developing countries. PQMD members are committed to raising medical donation standards, promoting effective donation practices and informing policy makers and the general public on the donation process. PQMD Donation Guidelines, education programs, research and partnerships are advancing quality medical donations worldwide. For more information about PQMD, visit www.pqmd.org.
PQMD Membership: Abbott, Alcon, AmeriCares, Baxter, BD, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Catholic Medical Mission Board, Direct Relief International, Eli Lilly and Company, Genzyme, GlaxoSmithKline, Heart to Heart International, Hospira, Inc., IMA World Health, International Medical Corps, Johnson & Johnson, MAP International, Medical Teams International, MediSend International, Merck & Co, Inc., Mercy Ships, National Cancer Coalition, Pfizer Inc., Project HOPE, Sanofi-aventis US, Tulipe, U.S. Fund for UNICEF and World Vision.
