In developing countries, many lives are lost that could have been saved if given proper treatment. Unfortunately, those in poverty are not likely to have access to this treatment. That is why the organization IntraHealth International aims to help healthcare workers treat the impoverished in over 100 different countries.

Founded in 1979 at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, IntraHealth hopes to strengthen the medical support given to those in need. This could mean lending support to the victims of maternal complications, the HIV/AIDS virus or the current Ebola epidemic.

IntraHealth accomplishes this by sending health workers to where they are most needed and making sure they are trained and educated to treat their patients. They also educate others on reproductive and contraception, which they claim “could prevent the death of more than two million children annually and up to one-third of maternal deaths.” On top of that, IntraHealth tries to form support groups in communities where mothers, especially those who are facing HIV/AIDS, can mentor and comfort each other.

Additionally, the organization prioritizes gender equality, an often overlooked issue that is present in many developing areas. IntraHealth health workers make sure to advocate for equal rights in whatever country they are located in and are quick to treat any victims of gender-based violence they come across. They are also vocal about the stigma that comes with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The workers of IntraHealth do not only work as health workers, they work as activists.

IntraHealth has also recently introduced “SwitchPoint” in 2013, an annual conference where supporters and workers can collaborate on new ideas to solve health-related issues. People listen to speakers to be inspired and come up with new ways to save lives around the world. Among previous speakers are former President Bill Clinton and Bill and Melinda Gates. The next SwitchPoint conference will be held in Saxpahaw, North Carolina on April 23 and 24, 2015.

IntraHealth International believes that by providing the best technologies, tools and training to health workers, people around the world can have their life be dramatically improved or even saved.

– Melissa Binns

Sources: InterAction, IntraHealth, WHO

Photo: Flickr