CSL Behring donates life-saving medicines to assist earthquake victims in Haiti

May 14 2010

Direct Relief International announced today that CSL Behring has donated life-saving medicines valued at more than $100,000 to assist earthquake victims in Haiti who are at risk of tetanus or hepatitis B infections. The products will be used in clinics at Hopital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles.

The donation, consisting of 5,000 syringes of Tetagam® P and 600 5ml ampoules of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin, will help treat patients who have suffered skin punctures or other exposure that could create opportunities for tetanus and hepatitis B to set in. This is CSL Behring's first donation to Direct Relief International, which helps local health facilities in over 70 countries treat people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest.

Temperature-controlled cold-chain transportation of the products is being handled by Safcomar Overseas AG, Envirotainer GmbH and Air France.

"The challenge of treating rare and serious medical conditions is often an ongoing one," said Peter Turner, President of CSL Behring. "Such is the case in helping the people of Haiti who are still contending with the results of a natural disaster of enormous proportions. CSL Behring is pleased to be in a position today to provide essential immunoglobulin therapies to Haitians who can benefit from them."

"This donation from CSL Behring comes at a time when the need for medical therapies and supplies remains acute," said Ian Rawson, Managing Director of Hopital Albert Schweitzer. "These valuable products will help us prevent the spread of communicable disease that often occurs after a natural disaster such as the earthquake Haiti has experienced. Personnel now working in our on-site clinics, as well as those delivering healthcare services out in the field will benefit greatly, thanks to CSL Behring."

In the four months following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti's capital, Direct Relief has delivered emergency medical assistance valued at more than $38.5 million (wholesale) – over 230 tons – to more than 40 healthcare providers. Having worked in Haiti since 1964, Direct Relief had strong relationships with the country's largest hospitals and clinics, allowing the organization to rapidly deploy resources to where they were needed most.