In response to the deepening health crisis in Zimbabwe, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has allocated $2.2 million worth of specifically requested antibiotics to Direct Relief International's efforts in the country.
The donation of six antibiotics will support Harare Central Hospital, one of the largest health facilities in the country's capital. Supply shortages and staff issues in the face of skyrocketing inflation had forced the hospital to limit its services, which have come back on line.
Direct Relief has supported clinical efforts at the hospital for several years, including the provision of a surgical suite at the facility that, among other services, delivers 16,000 babies a year.
GSK's donated antibiotics--including Augmentin, Ceftin, and Bactroban cream--will extend Harare Central Hospital's capacity to treat patients for a variety of infections. Specifically requested by Mr. Julius B. Nderere, the hospital's chief executive and pharmacist, these medicines have been identified as most critically needed in this emergency response.
Because inflation has rendered salaries too low to pay for transportation to work, Mr. Nderere hired seven buses to ferry nurses and staff to and from the hospital.
"We are grateful to GSK for this generous donation, which will provide critical aid at a critical time in Zimbabwe," said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief's president and CEO. Since 1997, GlaxoSmithKline has provided more than $37 million in donated products to Direct Relief.
Conditions in Zimbabwe present massive challenges to the country's health system, exacerbated by a cholera outbreak that has reportedly moved into the rural areas outside Harare.
In addition to previous emergency aid delivered to Zimbabwe, Direct Relief last week provided medical aid to treat 10,000 cholera patients, and provides ongoing support to hospices in the country.