AmeriCares and Baxter Work Together to Save Lives in Haiti with Donation to Help Stem Cholera Outbreak

STAMFORD, Conn., Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AmeriCares and Baxter International Inc. have teamed to deliver additional lifesaving intravenous (IV) solutions to Haiti as part of their ongoing effort to stem the cholera outbreak.  AmeriCares has been working around the clock to distribute IV solutions, oral rehydration salts, antibiotics, hand sanitizers and other critical aid since the outbreak was reported in October.  As a leading manufacturer of products used in the delivery of fluids and drugs to patients, Baxter's donations have been an integral part of the response. AmeriCares airlifted an additional 50,000 pounds of aid over the weekend which will be used to re-supply depleted stocks at cholera treatment centers and hospitals in Port-au-Prince.

Baxter has donated IV rehydration solutions and IV sets to administer the solutions that will help to bring lifesaving aid to at least 25,000 patients suffering in Haiti.  Baxter has teamed with AmeriCares for nearly 25 years to share its innovative products and treatments with people in need throughout the world and has an ongoing commitment to work with AmeriCares to meet the needs of Haiti. Recently, Baxter has pre-positioned medicines and solutions in the AmeriCares warehouse, ready to be mobilized in the event of an emergency such as this cholera outbreak.

"It is estimated that more than 300,000 people will be hospitalized with cholera in the next six to eight months. This donation from Baxter is essential to getting ahead of this deadly, but treatable, disease," President and CEO of AmeriCares, Curt Welling, said. "AmeriCares has worked closely with Baxter since 1987, responding to health care needs around the world.  They have been generous with their products and understand the value of providing lifesaving aid to the world's most vulnerable populations."

By working together, AmeriCares and Baxter will not only help treat patients currently suffering from cholera, but will pre-position critical aid so it is ready to be delivered directly into the hands of health care professionals treating people newly diagnosed. In one month alone, 15,000 Haitians have been hospitalized for cholera. For those with acute cholera, it requires eight liters of IV solution to rehydrate and save their life. Without proper rehydration, patients can die within 10-12 hours if not treated right away.

About AmeriCares

AmeriCares is a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization which delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in need around the world and across the United States.  Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $10 billion in humanitarian aid to 147 countries.  For more information, visit www.AmeriCares.org.

SOURCE AmeriCares