Helping To Rebuild Iraq

Saturday, March 1, 2003

Relief Organizations Helping To Rebuild Iraq (NAPSA)—While the armed conflict in Iraq is winding down, coalition troops are attempting to keep peace and engage in humanitarian efforts. So far, much of the responsibility for overseeing the delivery of drinkable water, food, medical supplies and other basic human services has fallen to the U.S. military and other Coalition Forces. For example, according to military journalist Javier Hernandez, immediately after the conflict ended, approximately five million Iraqis were without access to safe drinking water. So Coalition Forces deployed Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units. Resembling large trailers connected to huge water balloons, these units use plastic membranes and chlorine to generate up to 150,000 gallons of potable water a day from any sources—even salt water. Lack of food has also been a problem. However, following in the tradition of generosity displayed by American forces in other conflicts, American troops and other Coalition Forces responded by distributing HDRs— Humanitarian Daily Rations. Modeled after the Army’s MREs, these are ready-to-eat entrees packaged in durable lightweight plastic materials that keep the contents healthy and safe for up to three years. Plastic vinyl blood bags are just one of several lifesaving items aiding humanitarian efforts in Iraq. The Iraqi people are also in need of medical aid. A numberof corporations and industry groups are supporting the efforts of the Red Cross to supply first-aid equipment, medicine and electrical generators for hospitals. The Red Cross, the U.N. and other humanitarian relief groups are also engaged in supplying other key medical items in short supply, such as plastic gloves and sterile medical equipment packaged in sterilized plastic-cased material to keep it germ-free. To find out how you can support the efforts to help the people of Traq, visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

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