(NAPSA)—TheUnited Statesis often the first to launch a humanitarian relief effort—when nations are at war and when nature wreaks havoc. For example,since last fall, the U.S. has dropped more than 2.5 million lifesaving food packages in war-torn Afghanistan for the esti- mated 7.5 million men, women and children who are currently in dan- ger of starvation. Relief efforts often are complicated by natural disasters such as recent earthquakes and ongoing droughts. Transporting food and medical supplies to isolated locations for families affected by these tragedies can be very difficult. How arerelief efforts implemented? Bruce Wilkinson, senior vice president for international programs for World Vision, the world’s largest international, humanitarianrelief and development agency, answers questions about getting families,villages and countries living again. Q: Whattypesof relief materials are provided for people in need? A: In manysituations, such as the devastating volcanic eruption in Gomalast January, an organization such as World Vision purchases supplies locally. It is less costly than trying to airlift or ship supplies from the U.S. Q: How about whenlocal supplies aren’t available? A: World Vision drops supplies by planeorin relief convoys. Rescue supplies are packedintofive-gallon plastic buckets to ensure safe delivery. World Vision relief supplies sealed in plastic packaging keeps foods and medicines healthy and safe. These strong plastic buckets are filled with cooking supplies, food, water, medical supplies and even large vinyl tarps. The medical supplies often are absolutely essential to providefirst aid in many situations. The plastic tarps are used for temporary shelters and the food, such as high-energy, high-protein crackers, is wrapped to stay fresh for weeks and formulated specifically for people on the vergeof starvation. Q: How are these airlifts planned? A: We work closely with other agencies, such as the United Nations. We already have special warehouses with supplies in the U.S., Europe and plans for relief centers in Asia. To learn more about how plastics are used in worldwide humanitarian relief efforts, visit the Web site at www.worldvision.org.
