×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Direct Relief Partners with Nepal’s Ministry of Health in Response to Deadly Flooding

News

Flooding

Patients receive care at a medical clinic on Aug. 21, 2017, in Terai, Nepal, an area which has been severely impacted by flooding. The clinic was put on by the nonprofit Mountain Heart Nepal, supported by Direct Relief. (Photo courtesy of Mountain Heart Nepal)
By Susan Fowler

Days of relentless rains, which began on August 11, 2017, have caused extensive flooding and deadly landslides throughout southern Nepal. The rains are the worst the small, disaster-prone, Himalayan country has experienced in 15 years, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

More than 800 people have been killed as a result of the flooding across three countries, including Nepal. Over 1 million people are estimated to be displaced in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Search and rescue operations continue in Nepal, but access is challenging to more remote and isolated communities, since communication is limited. Flood waters not only damaged and destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and roads, but also swept away livestock and swamped key agricultural areas, including recently planted rice fields. Specific relief concerns include the lack of potable water, the risk of disease outbreaks, and a shortage of food staples.

Health facilities in the hardest-hit areas are overwhelmed with patients and are running out of essential medications and consumable supplies.

The Nepali government, in close coordination with local district disaster relief committees in more than 35 districts, has requested assistance from national and international non-governmental organizations. Direct Relief has a strong history of providing aid to the people of Nepal, both through the ongoing provision of medical products to partner healthcare facilities and programs, and by responding to emergency situations including the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.

Direct Relief Emergency Response team members are currently coordinating with ministry of health and population authorities in Nepal, including the director of the department of health services logistics management division, who forwarded a list of specific needs, and confirmed a willingness to fast-track Direct Relief donations through customs, as well as assist with their secure storage and distribution.

There is an urgent need for anti-infective and anti-parasitic agents, oral rehydration solutions, analgesics, prenatal vitamins, antiseptics, water purification products, IV sets, and surgical masks and gloves. Direct Relief is preparing the requested items that are currently available in inventory for shipment, and is requesting additional items from healthcare company donors.

Direct Relief is also supporting the urgent medical requirements of people affected by the severe flooding in the country’s Terai region by providing an emergency response grant to the nonprofit Mountain Heart Nepal. Founded by young medical professionals in response to the 2015 earthquake, MHN is now conducting emergency medical and surgical outreach camps for flood-affected people, and will be helping to distribute needed medications and supplies to national healthcare system clinics in hard-hit areas.

Filed Under: ,

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.