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Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is one of the fastest-growing, privately owned logistics providers in the world.

It is also a top 100 3PL company, a top freight brokerage and warehousing firm, a top technology developer, a unique solutions provider for key verticals, such as solar, data centers, and many others, and a certified Great Place to Work®.

But what truly distinguishes LP as a company to watch is its innovative solutions and extensive global network that are impacting both business investment and humanitarian support.

Over the past two and half years, LP has provided a critical lifeline to Ukraine in its rebuilding efforts as the war with Russia rages on. The company has donated and raised more than $1 million worth of relief but also has provided vital transportation and logistics support to assist with Ukraine’s infrastructure and economic stability.

LP’s support for Ukraine is driving meaningful impact on the global stage — a call to action for other businesses to continue to invest in and support the country as more safe zones are created.

“We’re trying to lead by example,” explains LP Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jim Berlin. “I call it the tip of the shovel. We’re willing to go in before others are willing to go in. If others see, maybe they’ll join in and start digging too.”

At Logistics Plus, doing the right thing goes hand in hand with doing business.

LP was an early responder to 9/11 terrorist attacks, moving 100,000 pounds of cargo from six European countries onto one of the first international charter flights booked into the United States after the attack to keep then-GE’s production lines moving without disruption. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Logistics Plus helped source, warehouse and deliver much-needed personal protection equipment (PPE) to people and businesses worldwide, leading to the creation of its Logistics Plus Medical Division.

“We’re always the Sherpas,” explains Berlin. “We’re the first ones in, helping people find a way.”

An unorthodox business leader, Berlin knows how to get things done. In 1996, the veteran truck driver founded Logistics Plus in Erie, Pennsylvania, a small port city on the Great Lakes. A then-modest startup, LP mainly provided logistics and supply chain services for GE Transportation Systems. But as Berlin found new opportunities, LP added more services — everything from logistics and transportation to warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence and technology.

Nearly 30 years later, Logistics Plus is still headquartered at the historic Union Station train depot in Erie, with a growing network of resources that includes over 1,000 employees at offices and warehouses in more than 50 countries and annual global sales over half a billion dollars.

“With our trademark Passion for Excellence™,” according to the company, “we put the plus in logistics by doing the big things properly plus the countless little things that ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.”

Support for Ukraine

For Logistics Plus, the Russian war in Ukraine is not just business; it’s personal. The company employs 85 people in three offices in Ukraine and approximately 30 Ukranian-born professionals at LP operations in the United States.

LP’s Chief Operations Officer Yuriy Ostapyak is proud of the company’s ongoing response to support Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Ostapyak was born and raised in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine before coming to America nearly 25 years ago as a Rotary exchange student and has worked at Logistics Plus for the past 20 years.

“We have many years of expertise and experience and knowledge of Ukrainian markets, and we started using it basically on Day One,” he says. “We’ve donated a lot of money on our own and made sure that the money that we donated or raised went exactly where it was intended.”

For example, Logistics Plus facilitated more than $1 million in donations and relief in the transportation of medical supplies, food and clothing, as well as power generators to support communities affected by conflict and displacement. LP also purchased and outfitted two custom-equipped vans as mobile trauma units for Ukrainian field medics in Bakmut, a southern border town with Russia.

LP has made significant investments in its Ukranian-based operations as well. In July 2022, LP acquired Concor-Trans, a Ukrainian-based freight forwarding and logistics company in the capital city of Kyiv and second office in Odesa. Before that, Logistics Plus already had a significant presence in Ukraine, with an office of nearly 50 people located in Ivano-Frankivsk, in the western portion of Ukraine.

“In typical LP fashion, we purchased the company basically strictly on a handshake,” explains Ostapyak. “The company didn’t have much business, but what it had was amazing people with great skill sets in terms of customs and in terms of true logistics.”

LP’s services in Ukraine have been particularly crucial in maintaining the flow of essential goods, which are vital for Ukraine’s economy and people.

Emily Grein, LP’s director of Airfreight and Ukraine Development, is intimately involved in the trade lane from the United States to Ukraine and the growth of LP’s operations there. With air space shut down for safety, her airfreight team has been responsible for maneuvering and developing a corridor with Poland and LP’s Warsaw office to expedite goods over to Ukraine. When Polish truckers put strikes on the border, it was LP’s team that navigated other options through Hungary and Romania.

“We know that the Ukrainian economy must keep moving. It can’t stop with this war,” says Grein. “They need money to go in; they need goods to go out. We’ve been helping the agricultural sector, transportation sector, and we’ve been a big advocate for the rebuilding of Ukraine.”

When Ukraine’s Black Sea ports were cut off, Logistics Plus was instrumental in helping get critical infrastructure shipments delivered. The company worked with an American oil and gas supplier Vorex, also in Erie, to manage the complex delivery of 22 thousand tons of gas pipes — the equivalent of 47 million pounds.

LP rerouted the shipment through Romania’s Constanta Port via ship, then onto dozens of barges, and lastly to end destinations across Ukraine utilizing more than 1,000 truck shipments. LP’s teams in China, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey and United States were involved.

In 2024, Logistics Plus delivered the final shipment of these materials directly to Ukraine’s Black Sea Port of Chornomorsk, southwest of Odesa. It marked the first time a non-grain, U.S.-managed ship successfully delivered and unloaded at the port since the onset of the war.

“Shortly before that and during it, Odesa was being bombed and they had bomb alerts and sirens going off, so that to me is really one of the craziest things we’ve been able to pull off there, just knowing the circumstances around it,” says Grein.

Representing the U.S. on the World Stage

The tenets of Logistics Plus are rooted in Berlin’s entrepreneurial spirit and a “do whatever it takes” to make the impossible possible.

This “can do” approach may be one of the many reasons Berlin was appointed to serve alongside two fellow U.S. representatives from Northrop Grumman and McDonald’s to help support Ukraine’s economic stability and pave the way for future reconstruction from the private sector. The Business Advisory Council consists of 18 business leaders across the G-7 nations, Ukraine and key donor states, and is led by Dr. Christian Bruch, chief executive officer of the multinational energy giant Siemens.

“McDonald’s probably does more business in one day than we do in a year, and Northrop Grumman is a world-class defense contractor. Logistics Plus almost doesn’t fit in that group, so it was a little bit humbling, but I think we’re there for a reason,” Berlin says. “They wanted some folks who were more willing to kind of push the envelope a little bit, and again, try to lead the way.”

“As my son, Derek, puts it, ‘You get the Special Forces to go in quietly to start, and then the Marines come in and then all the Armed Forces come behind them,’” adds Berlin. “I think we are kind of the ones willing to take a little more risk.”

Derek Berlin, who joined his father at the G-7 meeting in Berlin, Germany, is LP’s senior vice president of Global Government Solutions. He has been active in the LP’s Ukrainian initiative and brings more than 20 years of government relations-related experience to the company. Derek has worked for the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense, followed by a career focused on international policy and finance while working for the Council on Foreign Relations. For nearly a decade, he was with JP Morgan, helping clients understand how to best compete and navigate challenges in foreign markets.

Recently, Derek Berlin moderated a panel discussion on Risk Management at the 2024 U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum Discussion. The forum was hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the U.S. government on activating U.S. private sector support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.

The goal is “identifying partners that Logistics Plus can work with primarily from the private sector who are like-minded and trying to operate in these difficult-to-operate environments, such as Ukraine, and figuring out ways that we can work together to achieve business outcomes while taking into account the realities of the policy and security landscape,” he says.

Derek Berlin also recently joined his father on a trip to Ukraine. They were both impressed by the Ukrainian people and their team members who continue to persevere amid air sirens, power outages and devastating attacks, such as the bombing of the Kyiv Children’s Hospital.

“Seeing the spirit, diligence and resilience of those men and women representing Logistics Plus out there in these very challenging times is just mind blowing,” says Derek.

As Jim Berlin sees it, the Ukrainians fight against Russia is a fight for the West and future of democracy. “Ukrainians are fighting and dying and all they’re asking for is support from the rest of the world,” he says. “That’s a hell of a deal for us, I think.”

Support on the Homefront

Back in the United States, Logistics Plus is also rallying support and investment in Ukrainian rebuilding efforts with local fundraising and donations, and other initiatives. One notable program is the Ukrainian Hockey Camp and Cultural Exchange, which aims to provide youth with opportunities to engage in sports, develop teamwork skills and build a sense of community. Started in 2023, the program provides rigorous training aimed at skill enhancement and team camaraderie. In 2024, the camp hosted 20 Ukrainians, five Romanian and 15 local kids from Erie and Buffalo.

LP logistics analyst Pasha Nayda helped with the efforts. Nayda is a former Mercyhurst University hockey player whose father Anatoliy played for the junior All-Soviet Team, senior Ukraine Team and was a Team Lead of the national Ukraine Team for years. “It’s definitely very inspiring to see the kids come here and give them the opportunity to skate because of everything going on,” he says. “They absolutely enjoy being here.”

Also in 2024, Logistics Plus hosted the Whistlestops for Ukraine tour. The tour was organized by the German Marshall Fund and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to drum up support for Ukraine across rural American communities that specialize in agriculture and manufacturing.

Several high-profile CEOs and business leaders from across the country and world attended, including American businessman and philanthropist Howard Buffett.

“I’m trying to help bring those people together if they don’t know one another, and seeing what can come from that,” says Jim Berlin. “But there’s a lot of support out there, and I think we’re kind of pulling it all together and maybe amplifying it a little bit.”

LP is also supporting efforts by Diane Chido of DC Analytics for Erie to become a “Seaster” City with Chornomorsk. Erie was pivotal in the U.S. War of Independence in 1812, and Chornomorsk is playing a major role in the fight for Ukraine’s independence.

According to Jim Berlin, sister cities are a good way to connect people through schools, universities, businesses, sports teams, different levels of government, the Port of Erie, of course, cultural institutions and others. Chornomorsk cheers for Odesa’s Seasters women’s soccer team, while Erie has the Seawolves baseball team.

“It’s exciting,” he says. “We’ve talked to everyone behind the scenes, and they’re all on board.”

Looking Ahead

As Ukraine continues its journey toward economic stability and growth, the support of partners like Logistics Plus will be instrumental. The company’s commitment serves as a model for how logistics providers can contribute to global development and foster meaningful change.

Logistics Plus is poised to continue making a positive difference in Ukraine and beyond, embodying the true spirit of a 21st-century solutions provider.

“Our efforts just show that this is the ‘LP way’ and that we are not going to stand by or be the followers,” says Ostapyak. “We always try to be the market leader — jumping in and figuring things out.”

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court and General Supervisor of KSrelief, underscored the importance of logistics in economic growth. He noted that logistics enhance goods movement, cut costs, and boost supply chain efficiency, helping companies stay competitive. These insights were shared during the "Logistics Services: The Heart of Global Trade" session at the World Logistics Forum 2024 in Riyadh from October 12 to 14.

Additionally, cyberattacks have disrupted essential systems across governments, hospitals, private firms, and communication networks. These disruptions pose significant challenges to maintaining effective humanitarian aid operations worldwide.

To tackle these challenges, Dr. Al Rabeeah suggested forming a Logistics Aid Council. This council would include governments, regulatory bodies, transport authorities, private companies, and NGOs. Its goal would be to ensure unrestricted access for aid aircraft to airports and air corridors.

The council would also work on waiving fees and taxes on aid-carrying aircraft while simplifying delivery processes. Such measures aim to lower costs and address the increasing humanitarian funding gap effectively.

Dr. Al Rabeeah's proposals highlight the need for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to improve logistics services for humanitarian purposes. By ensuring smoother operations in crisis-affected regions, these initiatives could significantly enhance global aid delivery systems.

A first-of-its-kind drone delivery system at the Edmonton International Airport is expanding.

Large drones can now safely share airspace with planes, co-ordinating with flights landing and taking off -- and the Montana First Nation, south of Edmonton, will be one of the first to feel the benefits.

Friday morning, after a brief delay for a passing plane, a large drone took to the sky by itself, monitored by a control centre in Toronto -- and Chris Quesnel on the ground.

“I do have the controller, and I can take control if need be, but realistically, I don’t,” Quesnel said. “And it flies really autonomously.

About three years ago, the Edmonton International Airport was the first in North America to test out drones for delivering small packages, from its warehouse to a designated landing pad in Leduc County.

More than 3,000 successful flights later, the next phase of drone deliveries is now possible.

“The interesting part is the integration of the drone delivery in with conventional commercial aircraft that we see today,” said Trevor Caswell of the Edmonton International Airport.

Untold amounts of paperwork between the airport, NAV Canada and the drone company have checked all the safety boxes to allow drones to share the air with planes.

Now, they’re flying 10 kilometres to a new pad outside of controlled airspace.

“There are many eyes in the world looking at what we’re doing in Canada because this type of drone delivery is very fit for urban and rural delivery,” Caswell said.

"This part of the Phase 2 program is to revolutionize the way drones will integrate to first-and final-mile location in controlled airspace safely," he added. "So we’re really helping transform this sector – there’s no business model that exists today for these flights, what it costs to ship per package or a kilo rate.

"So our partners in this program are working together to bring that framework together."

The landing pad is next to a medical clinic in Leduc owned by the Montana First Nation. Time-sensitive medications will soon be picked up there instead of at the airport.

Eventually, drones will fly directly to the First Nation, dramatically improving the community’s access to services most Canadians take for granted.

“The opportunities that this brings to us is – it’s huge,” said Montana First Nations Chief Ralph Cattleman. "In my community, a lot of our people don’t have the access to get to town or a store and it would really bring a lot of opportunity where people don’t have to drive and deliver – it would be more environmentally friendly if we used a drone.

"I can’t predict the future," Cattleman added, "but this is where we’re going and it’s massive and it’s so overwhelming. We’re so thankful with the (Edmonton) International Airport, getting us involved with this project,.We’re partners with them, and the opportunities it brings – it’s huge."

The first drone deliveries to the clinic are just weeks away.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong was right to champion a new declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel at the United Nations in New York this week. But the initiative will only be effective if it tackles the threat posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups who use aid workers and other civilians as human shields.

Wong has convened a ministerial group that will develop the declaration in partnership with the UN and non-governmental organisations, and to which all countries will be invited to pledge support. The diversity of the group, which includes Jordan, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, Colombia and Brazil, offers the potential for the declaration to be global in scope, and not targeted at a specific country. Such an approach would echo Canada’s declaration against arbitrary detention, which was universal despite being triggered by Beijing’s hostage diplomacy.

Pulling together working groups and getting things done are the hallmarks of Australian statecraft, as we’ve seen before on issues including countering proliferation and tackling economic coercion.

But the nature of the problem must be correctly identified at the outset—and Wong’s framing remarks on Gaza at the initiative’s launch raise concern that the declaration could become narrowly focused on Israel’s operations. The declaration cannot overlook the illegal tactics deployed by terrorists and some authoritarian countries of embedding forces among populations and using civilians as human shields. These tactics are a key reason why, as Wong has pointed out, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers and why Gaza is the most dangerous place on earth to be an aid worker.

There is ample evidence of armed groups around the world using civilian infrastructure to store weapons and plan attacks, including using humanitarian premises as cover for operations, which is illegal under international law. Satellite analysis by ASPI’s Nathan Ruser supported the assessment that the deadly explosion at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza in October 2023 was caused by a misfiring terrorist rocket, not an Israeli airstrike.

Terrorists also pose as aid workers. The UN has acknowledged that some employees of its Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees might have been involved in the 7 October 2023 atrocities committed against Israel.

The playbook of Hamas and other terrorist organisations, which includes seizing humanitarian equipment, adds to the risk that aid workers could be targeted by mistake. After the killing by the Israeli military of Australian Zomi Frankcom and six colleagues from World Central Kitchen in Gaza in April, the report by former Chief of the Defence Force, Mark Binskin, noted that the presence of armed security guards in the convoy ‘gave the appearance of the presence of Hamas’ as it was consistent with the group’s approach of hijacking aid missions.

It would be devastatingly counterproductive if, by failing to address such tactics, this declaration gave terrorists a free pass on international law compliance. After all, the likes of Hamas and Hezbollah pose as legitimate political movements and care about their public image, which is the basis of their support. Therefore, we must call them out for war crimes, including the use of human shields, and increase pressure on them to change tactics.

Hamas’s 7 October attack should have illustrated to the world the dangers of tolerating the intolerable: a terrorist entity that controls territory and a population, with the declared intent to destroy its neighbour.

Sadly, a combination of groundless idealism and animosity to the US and Israel continues to prevent the international community taking collective action. Even the evident depravity of Islamic State’s caliphate did not stop Russia blocking a Security Council resolution to authorise the US-led coalition’s use of force against IS in Syria.

All parties to armed conflict, including non-state armed groups, have obligations under international law to facilitate and protect humanitarian activities. That’s why the proposed declaration needs to apply pressure on countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Iran to stop hosting and supporting terrorists, which is essential to protecting civilians and humanitarian work.

International law already obliges parties to an armed conflict to assess a range of legal criteria, including taking precautions and using force in a proportionate and discriminate manner, when targeting enemies hiding amongst human shields. But international law also leaves room for debate about how to distinguish between civilians that have been coerced into functioning as human shields against their will from people who have opted voluntarily to conceal terrorists, in which latter case they might lose some or all rights to protection.

This esoteric legal wrangle has very real implications for military commanders, working under combat conditions, who know that a mistake one way could leave them facing allegations of war crimes, while a mistake in the other direction might give the enemy respite to mount an attack.

The initiative is an opportunity to be ambitious by proposing solutions to these thorny, life-and-death issues. The declaration should condemn the use of human shields and pledge that signatories agree to take collective action against those who force civilians into that role. The declaration should also convene globally respected legal and security experts to chart the outline of a new framework that better clarifies and protects states’ right of self-defence when dealing with enemies using human shields.

In time, the declaration could dovetail with processes led by the UN Secretary-General under Security Council Resolution 2730, developing new, legally binding agreements and protocols specifically focused on tackling the problem of human shields. The Australian Defence Force could then lead the way in incorporating these new frameworks into operational doctrine and assisting other militaries to do the same.

That would be a lasting testament to Wong’s leadership and Australian statecraft. After all, who could object to a declaration against human shields?

Zipline, the leader in autonomous delivery, is teaming up with the government of Nigeria to transform health access and equity by using drone delivery to improve the country’s infrastructure, positioning it to leapfrog barriers to economic growth and development.

• As part of the collaboration, Humanitarian Logistics Association will organize a full-day program on Day 3 of the trade fair to attract NGOs and humanitarian aid workers, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.


• The partnership emphasizes a multimodal approach to logistics, showcasing advancements in air, sea, rail, and road transportation to address humanitarian challenges in Africa.


• transport logistic Africa and air cargo Africa 2025 will be held from the 19-21 February 2025 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

Africa faces numerous humanitarian challenges, including natural disasters, conflicts, and health crises. Effective logistics are pivotal in ensuring the timely delivery of essential supplies, medical equipment, and personnel to affected regions.

Recognizing the critical role of logistics in humanitarian response, air cargo Africa and transport logistic Africa 2025 announce a strategic partnership with the Humanitarian Logistics Association (HLA) to enhance the focus on humanitarian logistics within the African continent. It aims to address the critical role of efficient logistics in delivering aid and support to the regions in need.

The partnership will see the HLA organize a dedicated full-day program on Day 3 of the trade fair, centered around the theme of humanitarian logistics. This initiative will attract a significant number of Non-Governmental Organizations and humanitarian aid workers to the event, fostering knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration within the sector.

The collaboration between air cargo Africa, transport logistic Africa, and the HLA underscores the importance of a multimodal approach to logistics. By showcasing the latest advancements in air, sea, rail, and road transportation, the events will provide a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to explore innovative solutions for humanitarian logistics challenges.

George Fenton, CEO, Humanitarian Logistics Association, “HLA is hugely pleased to partner with air cargo Africa and transport logistic Africa 2025 to deliver the annual Health and Humanitarian Logistics conference (HHL 2025). Our joint efforts aim to highlight the critical importance of aid and private sector logistics to deliver health and humanitarian assistance in Africa. By bringing together aid sector stakeholders and industry leaders, we can harness the power of multimodal transportation to overcome last mile logistical challenges and accelerate the delivery of key products and services. Together, we can build a more innovative, resilient and efficient humanitarian supply chain that saves lives and strengthens communities.”

Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India, "We are thrilled to partner with the Humanitarian Logistics Association at air cargo Africa and transport logistic Africa 2025. This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting a crucial sector in Africa. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing and fostering collaboration between humanitarian organizations and logistics providers, we aim to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aid delivery across the continent."

About the Humanitarian Logistics Association (HLA)

The HLA is a global network of professionals dedicated to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian logistics. HLA members represent a diverse range of organizations, including NGOs, UN agencies, and private sector companies, working together to develop best practices and standards for humanitarian operations.

air cargo Africa and transport logistic Africa 2025

air cargo Africa is the leading industry exhibition and conference for the air freight sector in Africa. It provides a platform for global air cargo professionals to network, conduct business, and explore new opportunities. The event brings together key players in the industry, including airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and cargo carriers.

transport logistic Africa is a new addition to the air cargo Africa event, focusing on multimodal transport solutions. This expansion aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the entire logistics value chain in Africa, encompassing air, sea, rail, and road transportation. By combining air cargo Africa with transport logistic Africa, the event aims to become a one-stop-shop for logistics professionals operating in the African market.

This mega event will feature:

• 3-Day Exhibition: Showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in logistics.


• 3-Day Conferences: Engaging in thought-provoking discussions led by industry experts.


• B2B Meetings: Offering valuable opportunities to connect with potential partners, clients, and industry leaders

About Messe Muenchen India:

Founded in 2007 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Messe München GmbH, Messe Muenchen India Pvt. Ltd. is one of the largest trade fair organizers in the country today. The company has an extensive portfolio of B2B trade fairs covering a wide range of consumer and capital goods as well as emerging technologies. The company serves the Indian industry and international market with powerful brands such as air cargo India, analytica Anacon India/India Lab Expo, bauma CONEXPO India, drink technology India, electronica India, IFAT India, Indian Ceramics Asia, Intersolar India/The smarter E India, LASER World of PHOTONICS INDIA, MatDispens, Pack Mach Asia Expo, Pharma Pro Pack, productronica India, SmartTech Asia, World Tea & Coffee Expo, and many others.

Messe Muenchen India works closely with industry stakeholders to develop well-researched trade fairs that bring latest innovations to the market and facilitate meaningful business interactions. Headquartered in Mumbai with offices in New Delhi and Bengaluru, Messe Muenchen India connects global competence by bringing professionals together for business, learning and networking.

About Messe München GmbH

Messe München GmbH has been organizing trade fairs since 1964, and is one of the leading exhibition organizers worldwide, with nearly 40 of its own trade shows for capital goods, consumer goods and new technologies. Every year, about 29,000 exhibitors and around 1.4 million visitors participate in more than 115 events at the exhibition center in Munich, at the ICM – Internationales Congress Center München, the Conference Center Nord and the MOC Veranstaltungscenter München as well as abroad. Together with its subsidiary companies, Messe München organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, Africa, Turkey, and Vietnam. With a network of associated companies in Europe, Asia and South America, and with around 69 representative offices across 132 countries, Messe München has a truly global presence.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects one in three individuals with diabetes globally, and if left unchecked can cause irreversible blindness. With the global patient with diabetes (PWDs) population set to reach 642 million by 2040, the increasing burden of DR is likely to strain healthcare systems worldwide.

India needs to screen nearly 125 million PWDs annually for DR. With only one ophthalmologist per 100,000 patients, decentralizing screenings from ophthalmic centers to primary care physicians managing diabetes is essential.

United Kingdom has shown that DR can be prevented, even eliminated, through retinal cameras and teleophthalmology in primary care. India is advancing this by adopting cutting-edge AI that does not require internet for inferencing, along with portable and affordable retinal cameras for DR screening in primary care.

Remidio, a Bangalore headquartered company, with offices in India, US and Singapore, received CDSCO approval for its Medios DR AI, used with its portable retinal cameras. This approval comes after the same solution received CE marking under EU-MDR guidelines and HSA approval in Singapore in 2022.

Remidio Medios DR AI, launched in 2018, is an offline AI that detects referable DR without requiring internet access. It is currently being used in some of India's most remote areas, from the hilltops of Himachal Pradesh to rural West Bengal, bringing essential eye care to communities that previously had limited access.

On the occasion, Sundeep Agarwal, Remidio's Senior VP of Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance, said, "With AI and software now under a risk-based framework in Indian MDR, this is a key milestone in the country's regulatory landscape. While the approval process was challenging, Remidio's focus on assessing public health risks through collaborative research, in addition to compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, cybersecurity, and ISMS standards, positioned our technology as future-ready to the regulators."

More than nine independent prospective clinical trials were completed on Remidio's AI algorithms between 2017 and 2024, in partnership with Aravind Eye Care System, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialties Clinic, LV Prasad Eye Institute, DIACON, Retina Institute of Karnataka, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, Narayana Nethralaya, and the Government of Kerala, to name a few of the eye care and primary care partners across India.

These trials were published in renowned peer-reviewed, high-impact journals such as JAMA Ophthalmology, Nature Eye, and the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, among others. International publications validating the solution's performance in Poland, Armenia, the Yucatan Peninsula, Africa, and the UK soon followed.

Sankara Nethralaya's Senior Vitreo-Retinal Consultant Dr. Rajiv Raman, states, "A science-first, public health approach has helped Remidio not only assess the performance of its AI in real world settings, but also for the AI research ecosystem to learn from clinical outcomes associated with primary care-led DR screening programs, care-gap closure pathways, and the cost-benefit analysis of bringing screening closer to the patient."

Cost-benefit is particularly crucial for India, where diabetes-related blindness is estimated to cost the country INR 400 billion annually, as per the ORNATE 2023 report.

Dr. Rengaraj Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer at Aravind Eye Hospital, adds, "Remidio's solutions are enabling over 50 healthcare workers to screen patients for diabetic retinopathy at Aravind's primary eye care or vision centres. These technologies not only enhance community health but also create job opportunities, as they are user-friendly and easy to learn, contributing to significant economic benefits for the nation."

Remidio Medios AI's offline nature also eliminates the need for expensive GPU-based cloud servers, significantly reducing the digital infrastructure costs associated with providing equitable healthcare.

Dr. Divya Rao, Chief Medical Officer at Remidio and a Clinical Ophthalmologist sums up Remidio's vision on the pivotal approval: "The CDSCO's approval helps us bring care closer to patients, but we are particularly excited to see India become a global leader in leveraging AI to eliminate preventable blindness caused by DR."

• Kenyan humanitarian organization receives award for pioneering local project Horn of Africa Extreme Weather Response, which provided 1,200 households with fast assistance to basic needs. 


• Representatives receive medal at the Logistics Hall of Fame gala reception in Berlin on December 5.

Ismaning near Munich, Berlin, September 5, 2024. The winner of the Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence in Humanitarian Logistics 2024 has been announced: The medal, which has been awarded by the Logistics Hall of Fame since 2023 and is sponsored by the Fritz Institute, goes to the humanitarian organization Strategies for Northern Development (SND) in Kenya. The non-governmental organization is being honored for its exemplary pioneering work in the "Horn of Africa Extreme Weather Response" project in northern Kenya from April 2022 to August 2024. Experts developed a strategy to provide affected people with fast, secure and sustainable access to everyday products using electronic vouchers and multi-purpose cash assistance via mobile phone. In total, more than 1,200 households affected by drought and flooding in the Marsabit district were helped in ten payment cycles. SND received support from the humanitarian organization Oxfam.

Instead of having to queue at distribution points for food or other daily necessities, the affected people received money via the M-Pesa platform of the service provider Safaricom to their registered and verified mobile phone numbers. SND developed a 13-point strategy to ensure that the pastoralists in need received the money or e-vouchers quickly, transparently and securely. It included, for example, identifying the people in need, the requirements and the market capacities. In addition, SND employees informed communities, partners and beneficiaries about the project, checked and corrected registration data and introduced a free hotline for queries. The organization also ensured that data protection was adhered to and evaluated all measures. 

The evaluation of the project showed several positive results:

• Faster assistance: 95 percent of participants of the program received assistance within 24 hours of funds being allocated during the emergency phase.


• Improved access to essential goods and services: 75 percent of households reported improved access to food, clean water, sanitation and hygiene items within the first month of the intervention and in the subsequent payment cycle.


• Improved decision making: 82 percent of the affected people reported that they were better able to prioritize their needs and determine next steps after receiving cash transfers or e-vouchers.


•  Support for the local economy: The number of market transactions increased by 90 percent during the project period compared to the period before the measures.

 The 15-member international jury chose the project from northern Kenya from among all the applications because it is an "innovative pioneering project by a local organization with only 105 employees in its own country", as stated in the explanatory statement. "It is also about a form of modern but simple payment logistics that not only helps those affected immediately, but also supports local markets and producers in the long term. Moreover, it avoids long supply chains involving the transportation of goods from abroad. It should also be emphasized that affected people can decide for themselves to a large extent how much money they invest in food, education, medical care or restocking herds for example. This example of localization is also outstanding because those in need can apply for help anonymously and do not have to queue. They retain their dignity in times of need," emphasizes Thilo Joergl, Chairperson of the Jury of the Lynn C. Fritz Medal.

On December 5, representatives of Strategies for Northern Development will present their award-winning project in detail at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the Federal Government in Berlin. On this day, the second ConnectChains - The Humanitarian Supply Chain Conference will take place there. It will be attended by international experts from business, science, humanitarian organizations and the United Nations.

On December 5 in the evening, Lynn C. Fritz, CEO of sponsor Fritz Institute, will present the medal to the winner at the Logistics Hall of Fame Gala Reception at the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport in Berlin. The Hall of Fame can be accessed free of charge at any time at www.logisticshalloffame.net and offers detailed information and images about the Lynn C. Fritz Medal as well as the logistics milestones and their creators.

https://www.logisticshalloffame.net/en/press/press-information/strategies-for-northern-development-to-be-awarded-with-lynn-c-fritz-medal-for-excellence-in-humanitarian-logistics-2024#!Affected_person_buying_food_after_monthly_payment_Photo_SND

Take 5 steps to get ready during National Preparedness Month

As disasters occur more often and become more powerful due to the climate crisis, the American Red Cross urges everyone to get their households ready for emergencies during National Preparedness Month in September.

This year the country has already seen Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded, and wildfires that have burned 2.7 million more acres compared to all of 2023. In addition, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, according to experts.

“We anticipate this year’s hurricane and wildfire seasons may be a very dangerous,” said Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross. “The country has already experienced 19 climate-related disasters causing over a billion dollars in losses this year, and we have a long way to go. It’s critical that people get their households ready for emergencies now.”

Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, often without warning. Whether a fire in someone’s home or a storm that destroys an entire town, these emergencies can change lives forever in just minutes. Some disasters, like floods, can happen anywhere, while others are more common in certain areas. To learn what hazards may affect someone’s community, visit the redcross.org/hazardmap or contact the local office of emergency management. People should also sign up for free emergency alerts from their local government to get critical information during an emergency.

HOW TO PREPARE Follow these steps to get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how to stay connected.

1. 
   

   You may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.

   
   


2. 
   

   Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Make sure to include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and critical personal records. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.

   
   


3. 
   

   Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.

   
   


4. 
   

   Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.

   
   


5. 
   

   Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app today for real-time weather alerts and expert preparedness and safety advice in both English and Spanish.

   
   

People can also help their community be better prepared for disasters by giving blood, taking a class or becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.