MAP International, a global health organization that delivers medicines and health supplies to those in need around the world, has continued to respond swiftly and effectively to health crises as they begin their new fiscal year.
To date, the organization has served over 5.4 million people since the start of their new fiscal year in October, and has distributed over 10,000 Disaster Health Kits (DHKs). Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and decreased traveling for foreign missions trips, MAP International has also continued to reach the world via their medical mission packs, serving over 8,000 people in 9 different countries since October.
Additionally, MAP International continues to provide access to critical COVID-19 medication and supplies to healthcare providers both at home and abroad. As part of these emergency relief efforts, MAP provides items such as exam gloves, face shields, infrared thermometers, and fever reducers. These supplies protect both medical personnel and patients, thereby ensuring that patients in need continue to receive care.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has augmented the suffering of many, it has particularly impacted victims of natural disasters. In the face of increased risk and need, MAP International has continued to effectively respond to numerous disasters.
In 2020, MAP sent 2 Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHKs) and over 7,000 Disaster Health Kits (DHKs) to Lebanon to aid the victims of the Beirut explosion in August. The organization also shipped 10,000 DHKs to Azerbaijan in response to the Armenian/Azerbaijani conflict that began in September. Additionally, hurricane victims have received much-needed relief from MAP International, including 7,750 DHKs, 10,000 masks, and 500 water filters that were delivered to aid the victims of Hurricane Laura’s destruction earlier this year.
In addition to increased risk for disaster victims, food insecurity has become of primary concern for many this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Thomas Reuters Foundation, the United Nations predicts that the number of acutely food insecure people could potentially double by the end of 2020, with countries like Yemen, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria on the brink of famine.
Women and girls are at a particular risk for experiencing food insecurity, and around the world, many women are unable to get the nutrition they need from their diets alone, especially during pregnancy. Access to nutritional supplements is critical, because newborn health is contingent upon the mother’s health; consequences can be severe if those nutritional needs are not met during pregnancy.
MAP International is actively working to fight food insecurity and improve health outcomes in women and children around the globe, specifically through their Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Bringing Children Health (BCH) Programs.
Recently, MAP International and Rise Against Hunger partnered together to ship a 20-foot container of medications and food to the Kirker Hospital in Niger. The shipment included vital medications, such as pediatric and adult antibiotics, prenatal vitamins, and more. The shipment was part of MAP’s MCH and BCH Programs and will be used to combat food insecurity and provide access to critical healthcare in this local Nigerien community.
In 2021, MAP International is making intentional strides to combat food insecurity and to improve health outcomes for women and children. With this goal in mind, the organization has strategic plans to grow the MCH and BCH Programs in the new year.
Through the BCH Program, MAP supported 180 partners across 47 countries in 2020, providing more than 190,000 pediatric antibiotic treatments. In 2021, MAP aims to increase the program’s impact to reach more than 50 countries and to provide over 250,000 pediatric treatments.
MAP International reached 5 countries through the MCH Program in 2020; in 2021, MAP aims to reach at least 7 countries, and has plans to double the amount of prenatal vitamins provided to mothers across the globe.
MAP prides itself on being good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us. In addition to earning top rankings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar, MAP has been recognized by Forbes on their annual Top Charities list. MAP was 1 of only 5 charities on the list of 100 to be awarded both 100% in Charitable Commitment and 100% in Fundraising Efficiency.
Whether the needs arise from disaster, famine, or a pandemic, MAP International is prepared to respond in 2021 with health, hope, and healing, so that those in need may have the opportunity to live life to the fullest.