Direct Relief’s shipment last week of 32 cartons of aid worth $97,638 (wholesale), transported free of charge by FedEx, is set to arrive in Lima, Peru on Wednesday, August 22nd.

The shipment includes a supply of antibiotics, which have been among the most-needed medicines, as well as other medical supplies. The cold weather, poor sanitary conditions, and dust from damaged buildings have increased the likelihood of upper respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, which antibiotics are effective at treating.

A truckload of Direct Relief medical aid to the Archdiocese of Lima has left Lima for Chincha, which, located some 20 miles from the epicenter, is one of the cities most affected by the quake. Staff members from the Archdiocese are in the process of distributing the material to those in need.

According to Direct Relief’s network of in-country partners, the greatest needs at this time include logistical support for the aid coming into the country, tents, and blankets for displaced people. An additional shipment leaving this week will include significant amounts of blankets, as well as personal care supplies like soaps and shampoos. FedEx has again donated their services, providing Direct Relief free palletized air freight to Peru.

The Pan American Health Organization advises that the often-reported threat of disease from decomposing bodies is largely inaccurate.  Click here to see the article.

There continues to be considerable seismic activity in Peru. The country’s Geophysics Institute has detected more than 430 aftershocks, some as large as 5.9 in magnitude. Experts from the U.S. Geological Survey say that aftershocks from the quake could extend for weeks, even months.

Direct Relief would sincerely like to thank all donors to the Peru relief effort, especially the following corporate donors for making their materials available for the relief effort:

• Abbott
• BD
• Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Carlsbad Technology, Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies
• Marlex Pharmaceuticals
• Matrixx Initiatives, Inc.
• McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals
• Midmark Corporation
• Miltex, Inc.
• Mylan Laboratories, Inc.
• OHM Laboratories, Inc.
• Sage Products, Inc.
• sanofi-aventis
• Schering-Plough Corporation
• Watson Pharmaceuticals
• Wisconsin Pharmacal Company LLC

As previously stated, any funds designated for the quake relief effort will be restricted for use only in response to the Peru earthquake. Those interested in making a cash donation may visit Direct Relief’s donation page and select “Peru Earthquake” as the designation.