Recipient: Counterpart / Georgia
Shipment Date: 1/30/2003
Value: $91,658
The small, mountainous country of the
Republic of Georgia borders the Black Sea and is nestled between Russia,
Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. After gaining independence, the relatively
tranquil life of Georgians was replaced by political and social upheaval.
The country was racked by civil war, and the capital city of Tbilisi was
swamped with refugees. By 1995, the country had stabilized but the health
care system is still in a dire economic position because of the government
mandated conversion from a state-funded heath care system to a market-driven
system. With no safety net in place, the expense of health care has fallen
on the shoulders of the sick and nearly half of all Georgians have been
forced to forego professional medical care when sick. Mortality rates have
increased by 18%, infant mortality has risen, and fewer people have been
immunized against disease.
Direct Relief's donation consisted of a 40-foot container of essential hospital equipment and supplies including wheelchairs donated by the Wheelchair Foundation, syringes and surgical sponges contributed by Kendall Healthcare/Tyco, and exam gloves donated by Microflex. In partnership with another non-governmental organization, these supplies will be distributed to health facilities throughout the country.