Contact:
Stephanie Bowen
Communications Manager
(310) 826.7800
sbowen@imcworldwide.org
February 5, 2008, Los Angeles, Calif. -- International Medical Corps (IMC) today announced a $2.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support its emergency response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis following Kenya's contested presidential election last month. With thousands lacking medical care, housing, and income, the foundation's support will be used to expand IMC's outreach among the estimated half million Kenyans now in need of immediate assistance.
The funds will support primary health care and mental health services delivered through International Medical Corps' mobile clinics in Nairobi's Kibera slum as well as in Rift Valley Province. These clinics treat several hundred people per day, particularly women and children suffering from diarrhea due to poor water and sanitation, upper respiratory tract infections as a result of insufficient shelter, and malaria. In addition, the grant will provide for improved water and sanitation and the distribution of food and material support to displaced and vulnerable persons.
"Rapid response to the emergency in Kenya is critical," says Nancy Aossey, President & CEO of International Medical Corps. "This timely and substantial financial assistance from the Gates Foundation has allowed IMC to scale-up operations during this crisis, bringing vital medical services and support to communities devastated by the violence and displacement."
International Medical Corps will also use grant funds to enhance its existing HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs to focus on preventing patients from defaulting on their medications and to ensure adequate nutrition to patients on antiretroviral and antibiotic treatment.
"International Medical Corps' Kenya team is quickly and efficiently responding to the urgent needs of displaced Kenyans in the region," said Charles Lyons, director of special initiatives, Global Development Program for the Gates Foundation. "IMC's strong, on-the-ground presence and partnerships with Kenyan NGOs will ensure emergency health services and humanitarian relief will reach tens of thousands of people."
Killing nearly 1,000 and displacing approximately 250,000, Kenya's political unrest has left thousands homeless, without income or access to health services. Brutal clashes between political opponents and marauding gangs have left homes looted and devastated communities nationwide since the disputed election on December 27th. Widespread violence erupted again last week, as two members of Parliament were murdered and turbulent riots broke out in Nairobi's Kibera slum and the Rift Valley shortly thereafter.
About International Medical Corps
Since its inception nearly 25 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit our website at www.imcworldwide.org.
About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people -- especially those with the fewest resources -- have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A boy displaced during post-election violence stands outside Naivasha police station, 73 km (48 miles) west of Nairobi, February 5, 2008. Kenya's opposition on Tuesday threatened new street protests if a ...
