Effective Philanthropy in Asia
Direct relief provides emergency medical resources and disaster relief globally. They've worked in more than 25 countries in Asia, primarily focusing on supplying medicine and supporting healthcare providers ("Asia & Middle East"). Direct Relief has made impressive contributions to improving accessibility to healthcare and quality of health in Asia and the Middle East. In fact, since January 1st, 2010, they have contributed $1,901,872,502 in medical aid and delivered 8,345,435 pounds of medicine and supplies, including 353,273,616 doses of medicine. Additionally, Direct Relief reports that they have assisted 354 healthcare providers across Asia ("Asia & Middle East").
Currently, Direct Relief is working to combat medical shortages as a result of the pandemic, and they have made substantial strides in many Asian countries, particularly the Indian Subcontinent. Since April 2021, Direct Relief has delivered approximately 750 tons of medical supplies to India amounting to a total of $601.6 million (Fowler). These supplies included 29.6 defined daily doses (DDDs) of COVID-19 medications, 6,665 oxygen concentrators, and 7,610,788 units of protective equipment (Fowler). Additionally, Direct Relief is providing funds in the form of grants to hospitals and healthcare providers in India to support them during the pandemic and prepare them for future outbreaks (Fowler).
Evidently, Direct Relief has successfully carried out ambitious medical relief projects in multiple areas. One major factor is the effective management of their funds. According to Charity Navigator, Direct Relief uses approximately 99.4% of their budget for their programs and responses to emergencies ("Direct Relief"). Direct relief asserts that they use practically 0% of donations on fundraising (“Donation Policies”). Furthermore, they guarantee that if a donor indicates a specific program the donation should be used on, Direct Relief will only use that money on the intended project or offer to return it. Compared to nonprofits like the CAI, donors of Direct Relief can be more confident that funds are used appropriately for projects serving people in need. Additionally, Direct Relief publishes its audited financial documents and expenditures every year, increasing their accountability and transparency (“Donation Policies”).
