Project HOPE is a global health and humanitarian organization, working side-by-side with local health workers and communities to save lives and improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
One of the most heartbreaking and violent conflicts in our world right now is occurring in Sudan, where, in April of this year, violent civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces broke out and displaced at least 5.6 million people.
Not only have millions been displaced, but thousands have been killed. The conflict has devastated the nation’s health system and has left an estimated 24.7 million people (over half of Sudan’s population) needing urgent humanitarian support.
In addition to the targeting of health workers and health facilities, increased gender-based violence, and a crisis of internally displaced people, the disbursement of humanitarian aid has also been disrupted by the conflict.
For months, on-the-ground responders have struggled to secure access to supply routes, electricity, internet, and fuel, and some militant groups are reported to have stolen and pillaged aid supplies.
The good news? A collaborative effort between global humanitarian health organization Project HOPE and Airlink (as well as key partners, including MAP International, Flexport.org, Astral Aviation, and Qatar Airways), has secured a delivery of $13 million worth of vital aid supplies.
These supplies, including medical necessities, pharmaceuticals, hygiene supplies, and food, weigh in at 24,000 pounds. They will support over 100,000 people across Sudan, where communities are grappling with increased cholera and dengue outbreaks in the face of violence and displacement.
“This shipment is a lifeline for many hospitals that are lacking the supplies and resources to address the influx of patients seeking care and lifesaving medication for everything from cholera to gunshot wounds to pregnancy,” Arlan Fuller, director of emergency preparedness and response for Project HOPE, said in a statement.
“This partnership exemplifies the essence of humanitarianism — nonprofits and corporations coming together to share resources and knowledge to reach those who need support the most.”
Project HOPE will work with the Sudanese American Physicians Association to oversee the distribution of the shipment, ensuring that hospitals and health facilities facing the most critical shortages are prioritized to continue their vital work.
“SAPA is honored to continue supporting health personnel in Sudan who have been working tirelessly to provide essential medical services. This shipment will ensure that hospitals and doctors on the ground are able to obtain the supplies necessary to carry out their incredible work,” Yasir Elamin, president of SAPA, said in a statement.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Project HOPE and so many incredible partners to deliver much-needed medical aid to the region.”
By partnering with donors and partners in the private aviation sector, this shipment “makes the impossible possible,” according to Steve Smith, the president and CEO of Airlink.
In addition to essential medical supplies such as syringes, wound care, antibiotics, antiparasitics, and pain relievers, the shipment will also include items like prenatal vitamins, oral rehydration tables, and protective equipment.
As displaced populations also face mounting food insecurity, the shipment will also include therapeutic food, to help those facing exacerbated conditions in the area.
“Airlink’s partners have struggled to get needed medical aid into Sudan since the conflict broke out in April, owing to the limited flight options and high cost of airlift into Port Sudan — the country’s only operating airport,” Smith said in a statement.
“We are proud to say, we’ve found a way to get aid there. … We hope this is just the start of our work in Sudan, breaking down the logistical barriers to get aid where it is needed most.”
Header image courtesy of SAPA/Project HOPE
After months of difficulty gaining access, much-needed aid reaches Sudan
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