MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (Jan 13, 2008)—World Vision and Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) will be airlifting more than $4 million shipment of  cholera medications to Zimbabwe this week, with the support of the Canadian government. Some 38,000 people have suffered from the disease that has already claimed more than 1,900 lives since August and the epidemic is expected to spread as the peak of the rainy season begins this month, World Vision says.

The re-hydration solutions and antibiotics donated by HPIC and valued at $4.76 million will be sent on a chartered plane which a significant portion of the cost will be financed by a $300,000 grant from Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). World Vision will distribute the medications in Zimbabwe to benefit children and families suffering from cholera.

“This strategic shipment at the height of the rainy season can save lives of children in Zimbabwe who are the most vulnerable. It couldn’t have been done this quickly without the help of CIDA and the generous donations from HPIC,” said Dirk Booy, Executive Vice President of World Vision.

“The dramatic humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Zimbabwe touches the hearts of us all” said HPIC President Glen Shepherd.  “Thanks to partners such as World Vision and CIDA, and through the generosity of Bayer Canada, and Pharmascience, we are grateful to be able to do our part to bring healing and hope to the people of Zimbabwe."

The donated medications will be distributed by World Vision to health centres in Mashonaland Central in the north of the country as well as Bulawayo and Matebeleland South in the southwest. The medications will initially benefit four clinics and hospitals serving 1,300 patients monthly. World Vision is leading non-governmental organizations for the cholera response in these three provinces. The organization has already sent its first shipment worth about $300,000 before Christmas which has now arrived in Zimbabwe. The second, final airlift this week will carry the remainder of the donated medications worth about $4.47 million.

Since the cholera outbreak in August, the situation has been worsened by rapid deterioration of the health delivery system; critical shortage of medical supplies; inadequate water supply; and lack of solid waste disposal and sewerage system in most areas. World Vision is leading a coordinated response to the cholera situation by providing medical supplies, by drilling boreholes and by distributing non-food items such as soap, jerry cans and oral rehydration solution sachets to affected areas. World Vision has worked in Zimbabwe since 1973 and operates extensive community development projects.

As Zimbabwe’s largest humanitarian aid agency, World Vision donors support some 72,000 children in Zimbabwe, including 10,500 children supported by Canadians.

World Vision also continues to distribute food aid in the country and plans feed a total of 1.3 million people during the peak of the hunger period of January to March when 5.5 million Zimbabweans are expected to be in urgent need of food. Those wishing to help people in emergencies such as the one in Zimbabwe can visit WorldVision.ca to donate or call 1-800-268-5528.

HPIC is working with Canadian and Zimbabwean partners to bring emergency medical aid to the people of Zimbabwe. To contact HPIC, make a donation, or support the shipment of medications to address Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic, please call 1-800-627-1787 or visit www.hpicanada.ca.

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

About HPIC:
Health Partners International of Canada is a medical aid organization dedicated to improving access to health care and medicine in the developing world. Since 1990, HPIC has provided more than $285 million of medical aid to 116 countries. www.hpicanada.ca

For more information on Zimbabwe relief activities or to interview World Vision staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@worldvision.ca

Alex Sancton
905-565-6200 ext. 3949
416-419-1321
alex_sancton@worldvision.ca

For more information on medical shipments or to interview HPIC staff, please contact:

Bill Kokesch
Associate Director, Media Relations
Health Partners International of Canada
514-717-4769 (cell)
bkokesch@hpicanada.ca