Wednesday, May 11, 2011


“Bad things happen in the world. The important point is, ‘What are you going to do about them?'"
-
 Dr. Phyllis Cavens


Getting medical help in time has been very important for all of us. We also have an easy access to the necessary medication if we get cold or flu, and we do not hesitate to use that advantage when we feel sick. What we do not do is that we never think about those who don’t have an opportunity to get that kind of help when they need it, and there are a lot of diseases that are much worse than flu.

Medical Teams International has been founded by a businessman Ron Post who was touched by the Cambodian girl that was dying, and the thought that that girl could be his daughter moved him to find 28 medical volunteers and to start making difference by providing medical help to the refugees of Cambodia.


This organization’s goal is to provide help to anybody who is in need despite of their nationality, quality of life, or religion beliefs. They work with the countries of Africa (Cameroon, Guinea, Kenia), East Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia), Eurasia (Moldova, Uzbekistan), and Latin America and Caribbean (Haiti, El Salvador).  



Through the years of its existence the Medical Teams International have developed different programs for providing help:
  • Community Health program is focused on women and kids. It includes maternal health, prevention of childhood disease, nutrition, immunization, hygiene and water and sanitation. 
Children in Vargue, Liberia. (Photo by Debbie Doty)

  • Dental Program includes International Dental (helps families who can't afford to go to the dentists  and Mobile Dental (people are helped at dental vans)
  • Disaster Response 
  • HIV and AIDS Programs are created to support those who have suffer from it and to reduce their pain.
  • Medical Supply Program 
The Medical Teams Internationale has an amazing exhibit that create an opportunity for all of us to experience the moments that children do during disasters, conflicts, or poverty (for example, a room with a 25-foot tsunami wave). If I get a chance to be in Tigard, OR, I will definitely visit Real. Life. exhibit. 


I have a friend who have been a volunteer for this organization for two years. When I asked him why he decided to spend so much time and finances on this organisation he said that now he fells like he actually makes a difference. He was very inspiring, and I ended up donating some money, especially after reading the Long Way Gone :) If you have the same intention, here is the link  Help the Children of Africa