Washington, DC – (12 October 2023) – In response to the escalating violence in Sudan, Project HOPE, Airlink and key partners, including MAP International, Flexport.org, Astral Aviation, and Qatar Airways, have successfully coordinated the delivery of $13 million (24,000 pounds) worth of vital medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, hygiene supplies, and therapeutic food to Sudan. The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) and Project HOPE will oversee the distribution of the shipment, ensuring that hospitals and health facilities facing the most critical shortages receive the supplies necessary to continue their vital work in treating patients.

The shipment includes essential medical supplies, ranging from syringes, gauze, and wound care items to medications, including antibiotics, antiparasitics, and pain relievers. Additionally, it includes prenatal vitamins, oral rehydration tablets, hygiene supplies, and protective equipment. Recognizing the exacerbated food insecurity across the entire Horn of Africa due to prolonged drought, the shipment also incorporates therapeutic food. The shipment will support over 100,000 people across Sudan where communities are grappling with under-resourced health facilities and cholera and dengue outbreaks.

“This shipment is a lifeline for many hospitals that are lacking the supplies and resources to address the influx of patients seeking care and lifesaving medication for everything from cholera to gunshot wounds to pregnancy,” said Arlan Fuller, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response for Project HOPE. “This partnership exemplifies the essence of humanitarianism — nonprofits and corporations coming together to share resources and knowledge to reach those who need support the most.”

“Airlink’s partners have struggled to get needed medical aid into Sudan since the conflict broke out in April, owing to the limited flight options and high cost of airlift into Port Sudan – the country’s only operating airport. We are proud to say, we’ve found a way to get aid there,” said Steve Smith, Airlink President & CEO. “By bringing together our donors and partners in the private sector – Astral Aviation, Flexport.org, and Qatar Airways Cargo – and coordinating this shipment with long-time nonprofit partner Project HOPE, we’ve been able to make the impossible possible in the midst of one of the most challenging humanitarian crises facing the world. We hope this is just the start of our work in Sudan, breaking down the logistical barriers to get aid where it is needed most.”

“MAP International’s participation in this collaborative effort to deliver $13 million in critical medical aid to Sudan underscores our commitment to making a meaningful impact on global health crises. In times of escalating violence and dire need, it is imperative that organizations and partners unite to provide essential medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and support to vulnerable communitie,” said Steve Stirling, President and CEO, MAP International. “Together with our dedicated partners, we are honored to be a part of this vital mission, which will help save lives and alleviate suffering in Sudan and the Horn of Africa.”

“SAPA is honored to continue supporting health personnel in Sudan who have been working tirelessly to provide essential medical services. This shipment will ensure that hospitals and doctors on the ground are able to obtain the supplies necessary to carry out their incredible work,” said Dr. Yasir Elamin, President of SAPA. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Project HOPE and so many incredible partners to deliver much-needed medical aid to the region.”

“Flexport.org is thankful for our strong partnerships that enable the effective and efficient delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid, and to our donors like Tech For Refugees, a non-profit that supports refugee relief efforts through technology,” Kristen Czapar Dohnt, Head of Flexport.org.

“Astral Aviation is proud of its association with Airlink and to be of service to its partners by providing a dedicated charter from its Nairobi Hub to Port Sudan on the Boeing 727F with 10782 kgs of humanitarian cargoes,” said Mike Mutahi, Chief Operating Officer of Astral Aviation. “Astral Aviation will continue to cooperate with our partners in delivering humanitarian cargoes to regions in Africa and Middle East with its dedicated fleet and expertise.” Photos are available here. To schedule an interview, please contact media@projecthope.org.

About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 20 countries around the world. We respond to emergencies and work side-by-side with local health systems to improve health outcomes. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ProjectHOPEorg.

About Airlink

Airlink is a nonprofit organization providing free air transport and logistical coordination for pre-screened nonprofits to deliver disaster responders and supplies in the wake of humanitarian crises worldwide. Its network includes over 200 aid organizations and 50 air carriers and logistics partners. Its first mission was in response to the Haiti earthquake. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink’s airline partners have flown more than 11,000 relief workers and transported 12 million pounds of humanitarian cargo, saving nonprofits over $33 million in air transport costs, directly helping over 46 million people. In addition, Airlink receives in-kind gifts from airlines and donations from organizations and individuals within the aviation sector. For more information, visit www.airlinkflight.org. 
 

About MAP International

MAP International is a non-profit global health organization dedicated to providing medicine for all people. With a strong focus on delivering medical aid in times of crisis, MAP International works collaboratively with partners and donors to improve the health and well-being of communities facing significant challenges. Through our mission-driven approach, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need, particularly in regions experiencing conflict and humanitarian emergencies. Learn more about our work at www.map.org.

About Flexport.org

Flexport.org is the dedicated sustainability and impact team within Flexport that enables organizations to deliver aid and meet their decarbonization goals with greater ease and lower costs. Flexport.org creates value-added services for Flexport users to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bringing sustainability into the forefront of their business roadmap. Flexport.org also provides critically needed visibility and expertise to nonprofits and NGOs, governments, and social enterprises, helping deliver humanitarian aid, disaster relief and development shipments where they are needed most. To date, we have delivered over 74 million pounds of aid in 3,984 shipments, impacting 120 million people globally. For more information, visit www.flexport.org.

About Astral Aviation

Astral Aviation is a dedicated cargo airline which is based at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, and operates a fleet of 15 cargo aircrafts to over 50 destinations in Africa, from its hubs in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Liege, Dubai and Hong Kong. Celebrating its 23rd Anniversary in 2023, Astral is the fastest growing Cargo Airline in Africa with a diversified fleet capacity which ranges from 5 tons to 110 tons and has recently taken delivery of its Boeing 757-200 Freighter. For media information: Astral Aviation Media Relations – https://www.astral-aviation.com/news/.

About SAPA
The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) is a nonprofit, professional, non-partisan, and humanitarian organization operating in Sudan since 2019. Visit www.sapa-usa.org and follow us on X (twitter) @sapa_org.