ISELIN, N.J., Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ansell (ASX: ANN), a global leader in protection solutions, today announced that it has donated medical and industrial products to Direct Relief in response to the Haiyan typhoon disaster. The medical products, donated from facilities throughout Ansell global operations, include 1.7 million pieces of medical exam gloves and more than 680,000 pairs of surgical gloves to assist in Direct Relief's support of local health services. In addition, industrial and specialty market gloves will be utilized in recovery and rebuilding efforts. This product donation constitutes the largest product donation to a single organization in response to a natural disaster in the Company's history.

Currently, Direct Relief, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides medical assistance to people around the world who have been affected by poverty, natural disasters, and civil unrest, is working closely with the Philippines Department of Health Provincial Health Offices in Regions 6, 7 and 8 – those regions in the Visayas most heavily impacted by the typhoon. Over 120 healthcare facilities have been assessed by Direct Relief and Direct Relief's partners on the ground; evaluating medical needs and structural damage to determine how most effectively to respond. In addition to the Department of Health's hospitals and clinics, Direct Relief is also supporting medical teams active throughout the Visayas, many of whom are not only administering a variety of health services, but are helping families physically rebuild their livelihoods as well. 

"We are proud to partner with Direct Relief in responding to the needs of those affected by this natural disaster in the Philippines," said Magnus Nicolin, Ansell Managing Director and CEO. "It is our hope that these Ansell products will be instrumental in facilitating measurable progress in the recovery effort for the healthcare sector, as well as in rebuilding of the Philippines communities."

Products  have been shipped from Ansell facilities throughout the world, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Belgium, United States and Australia. Healthcare products include surgical (synthetic and latex) and exam gloves such as the Ansell GAMMEX^™, DermaPrene^®, and MICRO-TOUCH^® brands. Industrial products include medium- to heavy-duty work gloves from the Ansell  NITRASAFE^® product line. Specialty Markets gloves include Projex^® Do-it-Yourself work gloves.

"Ansell's extraordinary steps to source rapidly and provide surgical, exam, and industrial gloves in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan's destruction have been amazing and critically important," said Thomas Tighe, President and Chief Executive Officer at Direct Relief.  "Gloves are essential items for patient care and infection control in the health emergency caused by Typhoon Haiyan. Direct Relief is so deeply thankful that Ansell's leadership and team recognized that they were in a unique position to assist in this crisis and that they responded in an unprecedented way that is so helpful to people in the Philippines in their time of critical need."

Ansell will continue to work with Direct Relief through the course of this effort as the region continues rebuilding and returns to a level of normalcy after this catastrophe. This effort is consistent with the commitment of Ansell in responding to natural disasters and providing support as necessary. Ansell has responded to other major disasters in the past, including Hurricane Katrina, the fires in Australia, and the tsunami in Southeast Asia.

About Ansell
Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well-being.

With operations in North America, Latin America/Caribbean, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs more than 13,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the personal protective equipment and medical gloves market, as well as in the sexual health and well-being category worldwide. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Specialty Markets and Sexual Wellness.

Information on Ansell and its products can be found at www.ansell.com.

SOURCE Ansell Limited