A longtime supporter of Direct Relief’s ongoing humanitarian aid and emergency response efforts, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has generously assigned $15,000 in emergency funding to support the organization’s response to the deadly bombings July 11 in Kampala, Uganda. The funds will help AMREF (African Medical Research and Education Foundation) in Uganda to purchase needed medical supplies in-country to assist the hundreds of injured.

On urgent request last week from AMREF’s Uganda office and the Ministry of Health, Direct Relief has provided $30,000 in cash assistance to cover the emergency medical needs of the injured, mostly soccer fans gathered to watch the World Cup final.

Direct Relief’s International Medical Advisor Dr. Mike Marks and AMREF Country Director for Uganda Joshua Kyallo, a member of the emergency panel of Ugandan and international nongovernmental organizations convened by the Minister of Health, are collaborating on a coordinated response plan in Uganda.

Direct Relief has worked in partnership with AMREF since 1996 to bolster improved access to and quality of health services in East Africa. Founded in 1957, AMREF is a nongovernmental organization that works in 30 African countries to improve access to health care through training, projects, and consulting support.