$1 Spent Now Will Save $7 Later

Contact: Kevin Lampe, 312-617-7280

MIAMI, May 4, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Malteser International Americas, a Miami-based humanitarian organization focused on the Americas but with a global impact, have been on the front lines of the Zika outbreak in northern Colombia since it burst to the forefront as a threat to pregnant women, mothers who are nursing, children and families, today urged Congress to fund the fight against Zika.

Malteser reported that they were able to mobilize that fight against Zika quickly in Colombia using established channels and techniques resulting from their work on the ground with pregnant women and children. Working quickly and cutting through the red tape has been key to the success of their efforts. That experience encouraged them to urge Congress to act quickly. They contacted members of Congress to urge them to act now and not wait for a disaster to occur.

"Investing in preparedness is paramount to our national security, and could save thousands of lives and billions of dollars later. According to the United Nations, every 1 dollar of aid spent on preventing disasters saves an average of 7 dollars in humanitarian disaster response," said Ravi Tripptrap, Executive Director, Malteser International Americas.

Tripptrap continued "We learned that prevention of the spread of the disease and quick action can be far more effective than providing emergency relief after a disaster. Education is invaluable and money for simple solutions like bed nets, mosquito repellant and other items to prevent the spread of the disease can be effective in controlling Zika, and can also be cost effective."

Malteser International Americas emphasized that as the spread of the Zika virus continues to make headlines in the U.S., and the first death from the Zika virus has been reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. has an opportunity to prevent more deaths from this aggressive virus. Compounding the urgency are the ongoing floods in the south and the onset of the hot, humid summer months, which create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos carrying the virus, so Congress must act quickly.

To learn more about the organization's Zika prevention efforts, please visit www.orderofmaltarelief.org.

Malteser International Americas has been on the ground, shedding light and bringing relief to indigenous people and Afro-Colombians in northern Colombia affected by armed conflict and internal displacement since 2014, especially in the departments of Magdalena and La Guajira. As a result of the conflict, the Colombians in the region suffer from malnourishment and lack food security. To address these issues, and to help people live healthier lives with dignity, Malteser International Americas expanded its relief and development work in Colombia late last year.

About Malteser International Americas:
Malteser International Americas is a global humanitarian organization with a mission of supporting the vulnerable and marginalized so that they may live a healthy life with dignity. Through our U.S. headquarters, Malteser International Americas provides immediate disaster response and preparedness as well as vital healthcare and nutrition to vulnerable people in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

We are part of Malteser International, the humanitarian relief agency of the Order of Malta. With more than 100 projects annually in some 25 countries worldwide, we provide emergency relief after disasters and support recovery efforts, bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and sustainable development. For nearly 60 years, we have been standing by those affected by poverty, disease, conflict and disaster.