Soaring food, fuel costs
challenge relief efforts

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As Medical Teams International ramps up to meet the health emergencies triggered by soaring malnutrition and hunger, the agency also faces an internal challenge. In the last 12 months, shipping and trucking fees to ship donated medical supplies have risen 40 percent.
      Last month, one of Medical Teams International’s longtime grant partners suspended all humanitarian aid shipments due to skyrocketing transportation costs. This action now prevents Medical Teams International from sending supplies to the Eurasia region.
      Medical Teams International — which dispatches more than 500 volunteers and $125 million in supplies during an average year — is facing a challenge to meet increased needs while weathering a U.S. downturn.
In April 2007, the average cost to send a 40-foot container to the Democratic Republic of Congo was $9,600. That price tag is now $17,400.
“We can’t let the rising prices stop us from delivering the care that is so desperately needed,” said Dyment.
      For more information go to www.medicalteams.org or phone 1-800-959-4325.