In a world of rapid population growth and social and financial inequalities among different populations, the need for access to healthcare is ever-present. The International Medical Health Organization, or IMHO, seeks to maintain a world where health care is accessible to all.

Founded in 2004 as an international humanitarian organization, IMHO focuses on “developing and improving healthcare services and infrastructure in disadvantaged and needy regions worldwide.”

Health care professionals created the nonprofit in an effort to recognize the need for health care in impoverished communities. Specifically, the organization focuses on those affected by poverty, conflict or natural disasters. It places an emphasis on empowering communities to become proactive in their health and healthcare systems.

“We believe in the transformative power of education and the role this plays in improving the overall health and well being of people everywhere,” the organization says.

Through collaborations with local and international NGOs, IMHO focuses fundamentally on primary care and public health, education and training and capacity-building for those in need.

Despite being only 10 years old, IMHO maintains a record of success. The nonprofit assisted with the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the Pakistan earthquake and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Burmese cyclone Nargis in 2008. All three disasters displaced thousands of individuals and cost many lives.

As a part of one of over 180 NGOs of InterAction, the largest coalition of United States NGOs, IMHO is also a registered Private Voluntary Organization with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Many developed countries continue to outspend developing nations substantially in healthcare expenditures. In fact, the U.S. notably sees billions of dollars spent on healthcare expenditures annually.

Since poverty is considered by many to be one of the underlying causes of inadequate healthcare, efforts by IMHO and other similar organizations will likely continue to be a sorely needed asset.

– Ethan Safran

Sources: The International Medical Health Organization 1, The International Medical Health Organization 2, The International Medical Health Organization 3, Business Insider
Photos: Hoolauna