IMA World Health

IMA World Health is an international, nonprofit health care service organization.[1][2] The faith-based charity specializes in procuring and distributing medical supplies and services to underdeveloped nations.[1] IMA’s stated purpose is to “provide health care…without bias, to vulnerable and marginalized people in the developing world.”[3]

Richard L. Santos serves as president and CEO for IMA World Health, headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States.[2][3] IMA is a member of the Core Group for Child Survival, the Global Health Council, and the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations.[4] In addition, IMA is registered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).[4]

History

IMA World Health, also known as Interchurch Medical Assistance, was formed in 1960 as a coalition of a number of faith-based relief and development agencies.[4][5][6] IMA’s aim was to centralize and oversee requests for gifts-in-kind from pharmaceutical and medical supply manufacturers and appropriately channel them to healthcare facilities, refugee centers, and disaster relief programs.[4][7] The organization began distributing the donations from a warehouse in Maryland. The warehouse was operated by one of IMA's sponsors, the Church of the Brethren.[7] To date, the organization has managed over $1 billion in supplies and shipped them to 52 countries.[7]

In addition to the distribution of needed medical supplies, IMA has provided medical services to people in areas devastated by civil strife and natural disaster.[7] In 2010, three of the agency’s own employees, including Santos, narrowly escaped death while working to end Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) in Haiti.[8] The workers spent 50 hours trapped in the rubble of a hotel in Port-au-Prince after an earthquake struck the region, but they were ultimately rescued.[6] The organization responded to the disaster by providing medicine boxes and hygiene kits.[6][8]

In the late 1990s, IMA World Health expanded its efforts to include the management of healthcare service projects in developing nations.[4] The organization worked to build basic health systems and services, control diseases including HIV/AIDS and NTDs (Neglected Tropical Diseases), and foster local faith-based support.[4][9][10] IMA also recruits personnel to serve in areas of need.[4] Its workers are involved in projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Southern Sudan, and Tanzania.[3][10]

External links

References

  1. 1 2 "Charity Navigator Guide". Charity Navigator. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  2. 1 2 "Forbes List of Charities". Forbes. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Full Record". CARR. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "IMA World Health Profile". Volunteers of Prosperity. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  5. ↑ "Interchurch Medical Assistance: History". Guide Star. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 "Md. aid group shares tears of joy and relief". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "INTERCHURCH MEDICAL ASSISTANCE DRUG/MEDICAL SUPPLY SHIPMENTS OF OVER $10 MIL". Elsevier. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
  8. 1 2 "In fast 3 seconds, world caved in". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  9. ↑ "IMA World Health". NT Denvision. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  10. 1 2 "IMA World Health". Trachoma Coalition. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
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