Introduction of the Laureate

Direct Relief is an international medical relief organization that actively practices humanitarianism by enhancing access to healthcare and addressing global medical inequity. Guided by the belief that “every individual deserves high-quality care, no matter their circumstance”, the organization delivers immediate and direct medical supplies to those whose lives are threatened by disasters, war, disease, and poverty.

Before World War II, William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant who had amassed considerable wealth in Europe, sent thousands of relief parcels containing food, clothing, and medicine to his relatives, friends, and former employees in Europe who were rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the war.

Having witnessed the devastating impact of power abuse under Hitler’s regime, Zimdin, after fleeing to save his life, committed his entire personal fortune to helping the oppressed and resisting fascism.

In 1948, he founded the William Zimdin Foundation, a nonprofit corporation based in California. After his death in 1951, the organization was renamed the Direct Relief Foundation in 1957 and later changed its name to Direct Relief International in 1982, and 「Direct Relief」 in 2013. The organization has now been operating for 76 years.

Direct Relief provides humanitarian aid through a highly professional and systematic support model to people in urgent need of medicines and medical supplies due to disasters or conflict - regardless of race, religion, or political belief.

Its medical relief initiatives span a wide range of areas, including healthcare equity, maternal and neonatal health services, opioid crisis response, rehabilitation programs, and emergency relief in the wake of wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wars.

What sets Direct Relief apart is its use of cutting-edge logistics and data-driven strategies to swiftly and accurately deliver support even to the most remote or disaster-stricken regions. The organization carefully balances humanitarian needs with operational precision-while preserving the dignity of those it serves.

In regions with poor power infrastructure, Direct Relief also operates solar- powered infrastructure and oxygen supply projects to optimize the storage and safe delivery of medicines and medical supplies, thereby maximizing the impact of its medical relief efforts for vulnerable populations.

Notably, the organization operates entirely on private donations from individuals, corporations, and civil society organizations, without any government support. An exemplary model of financial transparency, Direct Relief allocates 99.5% of its donations directly to project expenses, with only 0.3% used for administrative costs and 0.1% for fundraising.

This extraordinary level of transparency has not only maximized the value of donor contributions but has also earned the organization strong public trust.

Through its prompt and efficient delivery of medical aid, Direct Relief not only protects lives and ensures psychological stability for people in crisis, but also restores hope for new beginnings. Its work is a powerful expression of humanity and makes a significant contribution to the advancement of global human welfare.