Direct Relief International provides material medical aid — including medicines, medical supplies and equipment — that strengthens in-country health efforts around the world to improve the quality of life for the most impoverished people. In 2005, Direct Relief provided $211 million in wholesale value of aid serving 29.1 million people in 52 countries worldwide. Direct Relief International identifies competent health care providers and well-managed, locally run health care facilities throughout the developing world, who share the organization's commitment to serve the poor and victims of natural and civil disasters without regard to political affiliation, religious belief, ethnic identity or ability to pay.