Climate Action United Kingdom Project #68482

Giving a second life to surplus medical supplies

by INTER CARE LTD

Giving a second life to surplus medical supplies

Project Report | Jan 19, 2026
Supporting Chronic Contitions

By Megan Wright | Communications and Fundraising Officer

A photo of Jacob and his mother

Sickle Cell disease is a life-long genetic blood condition that affects the shape of red blood cells. It is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background (NHS, 2022). When red blood cells become misshapen or sickle shaped they do not live as long and can block blood vessels. These blockages then lead to higher risk of infections, serious complications and severe pain known as ‘crisis’.

The only known cure for Sickle Cell Disease is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant which is very rarely performed, even in developed countries, due to the associated risks (NHS, 2022). Therefore the treatment options rely heavily on pain managment and infection prevention.

Jacob is a 12yearold boy from Malawi. He was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease as a toddler and since then, his childhood has been shaped by frequent hospital admissions for blood transfusions, pain relief, and intravenous fluids. These treatments are essential to keeping him stable.

For Jacob, this condition affects far more than his health, it disrupts his education. Sickle Cell Crises often strike without warning, forcing him to miss school which makes it difficult for him to keep up with lessons. Furthermore his 3 siblings also struggle with the same condition. His parents barely find time to work to raise funds to support their children due to their frequent hospitalization. However the Inter Care donation has relieved this financial pressure and for this, they are very grateful.

During one severe episode of crisis, Jacob and his mother walked for two hours to reach their closest health unit. Thanks to donations from Inter Care, Jacob received the medicines and supplies he needed to manage his condition safely. Pain relief, antibiotics and even adhesive tape to secure his IV lines play a crucial role in his care, especially as he requires transfusions so often.

For children like Jacob, having reliable access to basic medicines, pain relief, and routine followup care can be the difference between a manageable condition and a constant state of crisis.

Diagram of Sickled Red Blood Cells

Permalink

Sep 25, 2025
Container of aid sent to Northern Malawi

By Bella Legesse | Program Support Officer

Inter Care Team Loading The Container

We’re thrilled to share that our latest container of medical supplies has officially departed for Northern Malawi, continuing our mission to give surplus healthcare resources a second life. Following the successful shipment in February 2025, our team worked swiftly to prepare another 20ft container, which left our warehouse on 13th August 2025. Valued at £191,957.28 and weighing in at 4,367kg, this consignment is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our donors and volunteers.

Ekwendeni Mission Hospital will once again take the lead in coordinating the clearance and distribution of the shipment upon arrival. Their team will ensure that the medical aid is shared equally among five other participating health units across the region; St Patrick's (Rumphi) Health Centre, St Anne's (Chilumba) Community Hospital, St John of God Community Services, Kaseye Community Hospital, Atupele Community Hospital. This collaborative effort strengthens healthcare delivery in underserved communities and reinforces the power of global solidarity in times of need.

This latest shipment includes a wide range of essential items: PPE such as masks, gloves, and aprons; medical uniforms; dressings, bandages, catheter supplies, syringes, needles, BP machines, surgical instruments; lab consumables; oxygen concentrators; thermometers; mobility aids; and medical textbooks. Alongside these are hand-knitted blankets, toys, and children’s clothing. Every item—whether clinical or comforting—has been generously donated by members of the public, NHS surgeries, clinics, and corporate partners. Together, these contributions form a lifeline of care, compassion, and practical support for communities in need.

At Inter Care, we remain deeply committed to supporting impoverished partner health units across sub-Saharan Africa. Our work continues with a twofold purpose: to provide vital medical supplies where they are needed most, and to ensure that surplus resources from the UK—often destined for disposal—are repurposed to save lives. Through this sustainable approach, we not only reduce waste but also extend the reach of healthcare to those who would otherwise go without.

We always do a video when the container is being packed up and sent on its way. You can see the latest container video by visiting our website.

Links:

Visit our website

Permalink

May 27, 2025
Inter Care is preparing to send a large consignment of medical supplies to Northern Malawi in Summer

By Bella Legesse | Program Support Officer

Arthur's Mom

We are currently building pallets of medical supplies which were all donated to us from the public, corporates, private clinics and NHS surgeries. So far, we have packed basic health care goods – such as bandages; dressings; needles; syringes; sutures; swabs; wipes; catheter/stoma supplies and dermatological goods – together with much needed items of PPE (including disposable aprons; coveralls; face masks; face shields; goggles; over shoes and surgical gloves) and uniforms/scrubs.

There are some toiletries included like disinfectants and handwashes including some other medical devices like BP machines, stethoscope, syringe pump, thermometers and a good selection of laboratory consumables.

Finally, there’s an assortment of medical textbooks; mobility aids (i.e. walking frames; walking sticks and crutches); orthopaedic items (i.e. knee support, leg braces, surgical boots, neck braces) and some minor surgical instruments – with the usual selection of hand knitted blankets; toys and children’s clothing to fill in the gaps.

This container is due to leave our warehouse around mid-Summer. The aid will support 6 health units in Northern Malawi in which Ekwendeni Mission Hospital will be taking the lead and handle all arrangements for securing clearance of the consignment when it reaches its destination. The hospital will also distribute the medical aid in equal shares to the 5 other participating health units.

We have recently received a case study from Ekwendeni hospital in Malawi from a previous container we’ve sent to them, about a little boy called Arthur. His mother was in despair as her son received major burns after hot water fell on him. Furthermore, she could not pay for his treatment due to no work and running the family as a single mother. Ekwendeni Hospital were able to treat Arthur for free using sterile dressings and medicines provided by Inter Care.

Arthur’s mum says, “I am very thankful to the Inter Care for this help. God bless you”.

We have packed up some more dressings and bandages on this container, as well and your gift will help more children like Arthur who innocently play around outdoor kitchens and fires.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

Links:

Visit our website

Permalink

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.