Originally published on Airlink’s website.
Airlink, Flexport, Kenya Airways, and International Medical Corps are responding to the complex crisis in South Sudan with medical assistance for Internally Displaced Persons.
Failed crops and ongoing conflict in the young country have led to high levels of internal displacement and low access to food, water, and health services and supplies. In some areas, more than 70% of the local population cannot be reached with humanitarian assistance due to geography and insecurity.
To assist long-time partner International Medical Corps (IMC), Airlink engaged full service freight forwarder Flexport and Kenya Airways for the response.
“Airlink is practiced in humanitarian logistics, but the current circumstances in South Sudan make it incredibly difficult to safely transport relief cargo into the region,” says Airlink Humanitarian Programs Manager Stephanie Austin. “Our partnership with Flexport helps us work on these more complex airlifts and ultimately expands Airlink’s capacity.”
Flexport is a freight forwarder that utilizes an online platform and end-to-end services for their clients. The five-year-old company recently joined the 1% pledge, pledging 1% of its resources to humanitarian organizations sending supplies worldwide.
A new Airlink partner, Kenya Airways is providing the lift and offers a unique opportunity to move cargo from the United Kingdom into Juba, South Sudan.
The 1,500 kg shipment includes basic medical supplies and will arrive in Juba in late August where IMC staff and volunteers will immediately begin utilizing these health supplies to benefit Internally Displaced Persons in South Sudan.
