Global Update: India’s Covid-19 Surge, Mental Health, and More

A Bumi Sehat midwife in Indonesia demonstrates the proper technique for bathing a baby. (Photo courtesy of Bumi Sehat)

By Staff

April 28, 2021

In Summary

• As India is overwhelmed by a surge of Covid-19 and critical oxygen shortages, Direct Relief commits an additional $5 million to the country.

• Direct Relief is partnering with local groups from Haiti to Bangladesh to ensure pregnant women have continued access to maternal health services.

• In the U.S., Direct Relief is working with Teva to encourage innovation in chronic disease care by awarding $450,000 in grants to health centers and clinics.

• In Sacramento, California, undocumented patients access mental health services and vaccines with support from Direct Relief.

Covid-19 Has Overwhelmed India. Direct Relief Is Providing Funding for Oxygen and Other Medical Aid.

A patient breathes with the help of oxygen provided by a Gurdwara, a place of worship for Sikhs, inside a van parked under a tent along the roadside amid Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in Ghaziabad on April 26, 2021. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP) (Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

The situation: As India experiences an overwhelming second wave of Covid-19, oxygen and other essential medical resources are depleted and in dire need of resupply.

The response: Direct Relief has committed $5 million in emergency funding and is working to source and transport oxygen concentrators into the country.

The impact: The funding will cover an estimated 10,000 oxygen concentrators and other much-needed supplies.

Covid-19 Has Threatened Maternal Health Care. With the Help of Direct Relief Grants, These Groups Are Fighting Back.

Midwives surround a first-time mother and baby. (Photo courtesy of Bumi Sehat)

The situation: Covid-19 has made it harder to provide maternal health care, as midwives get sick and economic instability causes malnutrition.

The response: For nine organizations providing this essential service during the pandemic, Direct Relief is providing grants of $50,000 each.

The impact: The funding will help offset costs of procuring PPE, caring for sick staff members, and feeding hungry patients.

Safety Net Providers Are Finding New Ways to Address Chronic Disease

Health providers are integrating mental health services and chronic disease care to help patients better manage their medical conditions. (iStock image)

The situation: Chronic disease and poor mental health are linked. Innovative safety-net providers are finding ways to address both.

The response: The Enhancing Access2Care program — an initiative by Direct Relief, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Volunteers in Medicine — has provided more than $450,000 to health centers and clinics taking on these health challenges.

The impact: Eight nonprofit safety net providers have received funding through the program to advance their work.

For People Who Are Undocumented, A Way to Access Mental Health Support, Vaccinations, and More

A Covid-19 vaccine clinic at La Familia Counseling Center in Sacramento, California. In addition to mental health services, the clinic provides the community with primary health care and educational resources. (Photo courtesy of LAFCC)

The situation: A Sacramento clinic provides people with affordable mental health care, Covid-19 vaccinations and other services — regardless of immigration status.

The response: Direct Relief is supporting their efforts with a $50,000 grant.

The impact: The grant will support Covid-19 vaccination efforts and extend services that would be hard to access otherwise — particularly for non-English speakers.

In Brief

The United States

• Over the past two weeks, Direct Relief has delivered 847 medical aid shipments totaling 40 tons and more than $12 million (wholesale) to 486 healthcare organizations in 44 states and Puerto Rico.
• Direct Relief granted $2.8 million to 48 healthcare providers in 24 states during that time.

Around the World

• In the past two weeks, Direct Relief has delivered 92 tons of medicine and medical supplies totaling more than $13 million (wholesale) to healthcare providers in 24 countries.
• Over that same period, Direct Relief issued $743,000 in grants to health organizations across four continents.
• As new data emerges on the prevalence of Type 1 diabetes in Eritrea, Direct Relief delivered two 40-foot refrigerated containers of insulin, syringes, and other essential medicine and supplies to the Eritrean National Diabetes Association.