| Aid for South African People (ASAP), founded and
coordinated by ANSA, is the program of a coalition of Los Angeles-based nonprofit
organizations, helping to meet the urgent and growing medical needs of South Africa by
sending frequent shipments of medical supplies to under-resourced hospitals, clinics,
hospices and orphanages serving people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in communities
most severely impacted by this disease. Coalition members Operation USA (OpUSA), International Medical Corps (IMC), the Black AIDS Institute (BAI), Project Lifeline and ANSA are committed to using its diverse resources and expertise to bring medical supplies and other health and medical resources to South Africa on an ongoing basis. Beginning in the fall of 2003, ASAP will send shipments of basic medical supplies such as stainless steel equipment, rubber gloves and IV solution to under-resourced clinics, hospitals and hospices. The materials contained in each shipment will be tailored to meet the needs of the recipient agency and will possess a minimum value of $150,000 (U.S.). ASAP grew out of a successful collaboration between ANSA and OpUSA, when resources were pooled to send a shipment of medical supplies to the Department of Health and Welfare of the Province of the Eastern Cape. Supplies were distributed to hospitals and clinics serving the disadvantaged in a region often overlooked by international agencies. OpUSA acquired and packed 25,000 pounds of medical supplies, including stainless steel surgical supplies, gurneys, wheelchairs and IV solution, valued at $180,000. ANSA raised the funds for shipping and transportation, and identified and collaborated with the recipient agency. ASAP is working with a number of South African partners to identify and prioritize South African recipient agencies and to set up an effective distribution network.    |