SANTA BARBARA, CA (August 10, 2007)  In response to the recent monsoons and subsequent flooding in South Asia, medical aid group Direct Relief International is collaborating with partners in the affected countries to meet pressing healthcare needs compounded by contaminated and stagnant floodwaters.

In Pakistan, Direct Relief is supplying partner American Refugee Committee (ARC) with an Emergency Health Kit, containing medicines, IV solutions, and other supplies and equipment. Direct Relief previously worked with ARC following the Pakistan earthquake in October 2005.

In India, Direct Relief is supporting the Public Health Department of Greater Mumbai, a partner during 2005 flooding, with supplies including antibiotics, oral rehydration salts, and analgesics.

Direct Relief also is reaching out to partners in the affected parts of Nepal and Bangladesh, and is currently assessing their materials needs.

The torrential rains, which began in June, have affected an estimated 30 million people in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan and caused at least 575 fatalities. While the rains have mostly receded, the pooling of contaminated flood water, combined with the region's hot climate, has created an ideal breeding ground for diseases like diarrhea, malaria, and various skin ailments.

About Direct Relief International
Founded in 1948, Direct Relief International is a Santa Barbara, California-based nonprofit organization focused on improving the quality of life by bringing critically needed medicines and supplies to local healthcare providers worldwide. In 2006, Direct Relief provided over $200 million in direct aid through medical material assistance and targeted cash grants to more than 300 healthcare facilities and organizations in 56 countries, providing 23.8 million courses of treatment. Direct Relief is one of two charities ranked by Forbes that has received a perfect fundraising efficiency score for five consecutive years.

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