To assist people affected by massive flooding in Vietnam, Direct Relief is sending an emergency air shipment of medical aid to Marie Stopes International (MSI) Vietnam. The shipment of specifically requested and donated products includes Ensure from Abbott and the antibiotics erythromycin and ceftin from GlaxoSmithKline.

According to news reports, in the past month more than 150 people have died in Vietnam’s extensive flooding and hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes.

“A few weeks ago, the flood in the Northern Central area damaged our clinics in Nghe An and Ha Tinh. Some new assets have to be purchased, including a generator and ultrasound probe. The entire northern central area has been hugely impacted by the flood,” reports Le Thuy Anh, Chief Operating Officer of Marie Stopes International Vietnam. “Last week, the Northern Central area was again flooded. Our clinic in Nha Trang has been closed for the last three days – we have not received a detailed report on the damage of this clinic, but we knew that the entire northern central where MSI provides services through our hard-to-reach mobile program are now seriously impacted. Your donated medical products will support our outreach services. Your support comes just in time to help MSI support those people.”

Focusing on reproductive health, MSI quickly converts its operations to provide emergency and primary care when the need arises during disasters. Direct Relief has supported MSI Vietnam since 2000 with basic materials to support its ongoing treatment for people in need. This solid partnership fosters efficient emergency response, including during the recent floods.