STAMFORD -- Global health and disaster relief non-profit, AmeriCares, is delivering critical medicines and protective equipment this afternoon to health workers on the front lines of the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. The shipment, sent from its headquarters in Stamford, contains antibiotics, medical supplies and desperately needed safety equipment, including 15,000 pairs of gloves and nearly 10,000 protective masks, that offer the only protection for health workers fighting the outbreak.
AmeriCares says its shipment is headed to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, where it will join a humanitarian airlift organized by Airlink, a disaster response organization that links non-government organizations with airlines for air and cargo transportation.
The relief flight to Monrovia is scheduled to leave JFK tomorrow, Auguest 26, carrying 15,000 pounds of relief supplies from five organizations, including AmeriCares.
More than 1,400 people have reportedly died from the outbreak -- the deadliest on record -- including 129 health workers. The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency.
"While there is no cure for Ebola, personal protective equipment including gloves and masks can help prevent transmission," said AmeriCares Vice President of Emergency Response Garrett Ingoglia. "Safety equipment is the only way to protect health workers on the front lines of the epidemic."
This is AmeriCares sixth shipment to West Africa since the virus first appeared in Guinea last winter and the organization says more aid deliveries are planned.
AmeriCares has been aiding survivors of natural disasters, political conflict and extreme poverty around the world for more than 30 years, saving lives and restoring health and hope.
To donate go to americares.org/fightebola or call 1(800) 486-HELP.
