The Department of Defense, has joined forces with Americares Foundation Inc.
and the Schiphol Triport, The Netherlands, to transport more than 117 tons of
highly valuable medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to help the people of six
African nations. The supplies, valued at more than $1.3 million, are destined
to be airlifted within the next 90 days.
The Americares cargo will be transported from the foundation's warehouse in
Norwalk, Conn. to McGuire AFB, N.J. for shipment. The Schiphol Triport
donation will be picked up from its flightline in the Netherlands. The
deliveries, which will be spread over July, August, and September, will reach
the Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs
(HRA) Patricia L. Irvin said the Department, in cooperation with other
government agencies and within the limits of its resources, understands and
strives to fulfill its responsibility to help alleviate suffering throughout
the world. She said the Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) is often the
most economical means available to local charitable organizations to transport
donated goods to foreign countries for humanitarian purposes.
Under the 1986 DOD Authorization Act, HRA is authorized to transport non-lethal
excess property, relief supplies and privately donated cargo to meet
humanitarian needs worldwide. Over the past two years, 370 transportation
missions have been accomplished to more than 50 countries.
