DHL brings meds to Iraq

Global - DHL's latest CSR effort will see the logistics major teaming up with Mercy Corps to move US$9.6 million worth of pharmaceutical and medical suppliers to hospitals near the frontlines in Southern Iraq. 

Southern Iraq will be receive US$9.6 million worth of pharmaceutical and medical supplies that will aid 140,000 people getting improved medical care.

Hospitals near the frontlines of recent fighting in Kut, Diwaniyah Basra and Amarah will soon be receiving the medical aids such as antibacterial drugs, anesthetics and diuretics, surgical blade and medicines to fight infections and parasites to treat wounded patients, as well as those with infections and water-borne diseases, the companies said in a release.

"Many hospitals in the south have depleted their stocks of medicines and other supplies so this shipment is critical," said Paul Butler, Mercy Corps' Iraq country director. "Logistics can be a major barrier to emergency relief, especially in volatile places like Iraq."

"DHL Express is committed to using our logistics expertise to provide assistance to the international community's humanitarian missions," said Dan McHugh, CEO of DHL Express - Asia Pacific.

Part of DHL’s corporate sustainability approach is disaster relief, which focuses on people, communities and environment in the countries where it operates. It is a key part of the company's business strategy and long-term success, the company said.

The shipment of the medical and pharmaceutical supplies is expected to reach Iraq by the first week of May with the help of the Asia, Europe and Middle East counterparts of DHL to handle the cross-border transit, starting from Netherlands to Kuwait which will be transferred to Iraq.