Deciding How and Where to Send Supplies During Covid-19

Many countries--previously considered Covid-19 hotspots--have moved into new phases of their response, lifting multi-month lock downs and reopening public spaces. While the changes signal progress for some, other countries are now reporting surges in case totals.

The progression of the virus is of particular concern in countries with fragile healthcare systems where the virus could be especially lethal without the resources needed to stymie its spread and care for critical patients.

In anticipation, Direct Relief has sent 66 ICU kits containing PPE, intensive care medications, oxygen concentrators and ventilators to health facilities in 22 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South-eastern Europe. 

While the need is widespread, deciding who needs what most is a difficult choice, especially when resources are limited. 

On this episode of the podcast, we speak with Direct Relief’s head of Emergency Response Gordon Wilcock about how he and his team decide how and where to allocate supplies.