AmeriCares India has been honored by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) as the best U.S. nongovernmental organization (NGO) working towards humanity. The award — part of the chamber’s 5th Indo-American Corporate Excellence Award (I-ACE) — was presented during IACC’s 40th anniversary celebration on the American Consulate General Lawns in Mumbai.
“The vision of AmeriCares and AmeriCares India is to help many more people live longer, healthier lives,” said Curt Welling, president and CEO of AmeriCares. “We are able to provide critical medicines and medical supplies donated by pharmaceutical companies and medical manufacturers that help save lives during emergencies and help us respond to ongoing health care needs throughout the country. This award is a wonderful recognition of the work we do together in providing health care to people in need.”
Over the past two years, AmeriCares India has delivered medicines and medical supplies to over 35 health care partners in 15 states throughout the country. The partnerships range from government and NGOs serving rural communities to municipal school systems providing nutritional support. AmeriCares India works with clinics, schools, hospitals and rural health organizations to address a wide range of health care needs, including primary health care, acute illness, chronic disease and malnutrition.
“This award is a great honor for AmeriCares India and would not have been possible without the support of so many companies donating medicines and medical supplies to make our humanitarian work in health care possible,” said Purvish Parikh, M.D., vice president and managing director of AmeriCares India. “AmeriCares India is able to restore health and save lives because of the generosity of so many Indian and U.S. companies that enable our relief work throughout India.”
AmeriCares India also provides medical and humanitarian assistance during emergencies and natural disasters; and conducts disaster preparedness training for first responders, health care providers and local officials to better coordinate disaster responses and identify gaps in disaster management systems.
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce launched the I-ACE Awards in 2005 to recognize corporate excellence and honor U.S. companies operating in India in categories that include: Overall Best Company, Financial Services, Technology, Communications & Entertainment and Manufacturing. This year’s ceremony marks the first time the I-ACE Award has recognized a U.S. nongovernmental organization (NGO).