After suspension of USAID funding: action medeor expands medical aid

In response to the massive cuts at the American Development Agency (USAID), the German medical aid organization action medeor is increasing its medical aid. The "emergency pharmacy of the world," as action medeor is also called, operates in many emerging and developing countries, providing people there with medications and other healthcare services. The organization maintains drug warehouses in Germany, Tanzania, and Malawi, from which drug logistics supply chains are managed. "We will intensify our efforts to provide access to healthcare for as many people as possible in the coming months," announces board spokesperson Sid Peruvemba. "We know that we can, of course, by no means close all the gaps in care that have arisen worldwide as a result of the freeze on US development aid. But we believe in what we do – and we are now doing our part as civil society to help those who would suffer or even die without medical treatment."
The dramatic impact of the sudden halt in USAID funding on development aid projects worldwide has now been confirmed. "Although we at action medeor are not directly affected by the USAID cuts, we notice that many of our partner organizations suddenly lack the resources to procure medicines," reports Peruvemba. "We are now trying to make up for the funding gaps for such deliveries with our own donations," announces Peruvemba. The extent to which this can be successful also depends on the level of support action medeor receives from its donors. "We are therefore currently actively calling for donations for global medicine aid," says Peruvemba.

At the same time, emergency calls from projects around the world are piling up. "We are receiving worrying messages from project partners in many different countries," Peruvemba explains. For example, in Somalia, many nutrition and health programs funded by USAID have been abruptly halted. "We now have to fear a possible increase in malnutrition – and this in a country where around 1,7 million children are already malnourished," Peruvemba says, describing the impact. If such weakened children fall ill with simple diarrhea or a respiratory infection, it can be fatal. "It is now all the more important that we maintain the supply of medicines and health care for as long and as well as possible," Peruvemba pleads.
In Tanzania and many other African countries, funding for research and treatment programs against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria is also at risk. "This could undo many years of success in combating these diseases," warns Peruvemba. Furthermore, the freezing of USAID funds has disrupted drug supply chains in many countries. "Ongoing treatment programs are at risk as a result," says Peruvemba – and the repercussions could even rebound to Germany. Experience has shown that such supply disruptions result in significantly more counterfeit drugs coming into circulation. This also increases the risk of resistance – that is, of pathogens that become immune to drugs, and of infections that can then no longer be treated. "And sooner or later, this could become a global problem that even the world's rich countries cannot escape," says Peruvemba.

Overall, Peruvemba said, the suspension of USAID funding for development cooperation and humanitarian aid has serious implications for the direct care of at least 120 million people in more than 100 countries. "If the decision remains in place, it will have repercussions for the global humanitarian system," Peruvemba announced. "It is therefore all the more important that civil society organizations like action medeor continue to uphold their humanitarian commitments and stand by the people in need."
Anyone who would like to support the work of action medeor can do so with a donation. You can donate online at www.medeor.de and leave your address there for a donation receipt. Alternatively, you can make a donation to Sparkasse Krefeld via IBAN DE78 3205 0000 0000 0099 93, with the donation reference: "Emergency Aid Worldwide."

About action medeor
As Europe's largest pharmaceutical aid organization, action medeor has been committed to sustainable and improved healthcare for people, particularly in poorer regions, for 60 years.
The non-profit organization's headquarters are in Tönisvorst, Lower Rhine. From here, medical aid is provided to health centers in approximately 100 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia every year. In the event of an emergency or disaster, action medeor is able to send medicines, medical supplies, and instruments to the disaster area within a few hours.
In addition, action medeor, together with local partners, carries out health projects in the areas of prevention, diagnostics, and therapy. As part of its pharmaceutical consulting services, action medeor trains healthcare personnel, sets up research laboratories, and supports the establishment of local drug production facilities.
action medeor is a member of Aktion Deutschland Hilft, the alliance of renowned German aid organizations.