Just four months ago, Libya exploded into violent civil war. Thousands became refugees overnight. Thousands more were no longer able to obtain medications for serious medical conditions. In an expedient response, TPRF donated funds to help that country’s most vulnerable victims. Shortly afterward, the UN launched a worldwide humanitarian aid appeal for Libya.

Today, despite Libya’s continued political uncertainty and widespread conflict, thousands of refugees and displaced persons have obtained the help they need, thanks to a-political humanitarian organizations such as TPRF.

 

TPRF’s grant of US$25,000 to International Relief and Development (IRD) was part of a successful effort that transported more than US$11 million in medical and pharmaceutical supplies to refugee camps and hospitals. IRD’s mission is to provide and coordinate the distribution of essential life support in war-torn countries, and they went into immediate action when civil war broke out in Libya.

Many civilians living with chronic conditions that require medical intervention, medicines or checkups were caught in the crossfire of the conflict. These ailments included; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and renal disorders that, if left untreated due to the national turmoil, could become life threatening. Over the last four months IRD has distributed critical supplies to an estimated 450,000 patients in eastern Libya and the western city of Misrata.

"Funding, including The Prem Rawat Foundation grant, has allowed us to use our limited resources to support the families most in need, who have not benefited from the generous outpouring of materials and support that other organizations have provided,” wrote Mr. Daniel Puls, Chief of Advancement for IRD.

At the time of the TPRF grant, Mr. Puls said, "TPRF’s generous grant will have immediate, lifesaving impact. By ensuring that the supplies in serious demand reach those requiring treatment, we are preventing further loss of life during this humanitarian crisis."