SEATTLE — Poverty is crippling more than half of the world, but many great organizations are working tirelessly to make a substantial difference. Charity against poverty is the solution to creating a better community for those who cannot afford to help themselves. Organizations such as Direct Relief, Doctors Without Borders, Map International and Rotary International are just some of the phenomenal charities that work toward this goal.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief was founded in 1948 with the aim to help those in need in the wake of disasters. Today, it is active in all 50 U.S. states as well as 80 countries. Its mission is to better the lives and health of people impacted by emergencies and poverty. It is divided into separate focal programs, including maternal and child health, prevention and treatment of diseases, emergency preparedness and response and strengthening healthcare systems.
Direct Relief has played a direct role in providing charity against poverty by sending workers to places in need, such as Bangladesh. The city of Cox’s Bazar has a population of more than 500,000 refugees who live in tents and settlements. With the camps being overpopulated, these refugees are susceptible to infectious disease, poor nutrition, inadequate water sanitation and flooding emergencies because of its proximity to the Indian Ocean.
Direct Relief has made a difference by supporting the Hope Hospital, which is located near one of the biggest camps. Its primary goal is to provide essential medical tools for both maternal and child health, as well as increase the mobilization of healthcare.
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders (DWB) is one of the world’s leading independent medical organizations. This charity against poverty was founded in 1971 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Today, the organization has over 33,000 staffers and is active in 73 countries.
It works to provide healthcare to those who are affected by natural disasters, disease outbreaks and discrimination. It helps by providing free, high-quality emergency care, and also creates medical kits to make mobilization easier.
DWB is funded through private donors to keep political agendas out of its organization. As humanitarians, DWB’s primary goal is to improve the lives of people caught in crises, including poverty.
After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, DWB’s aid had an enormous impact on the survivors. The earthquake killed 220,000 people and wholly demolished more than 60 percent of hospitals. Within 10 months, not only was DWB able to treat 350,000 patients, but it also performed 16,000 surgeries. When cholera broke out in the country, DWB handled about 60 percent of the cases.
MAP International
Similar to DWB, Medical Assistance Program (MAP) is a foundation that works to provide healthcare for those who do not have access to proper treatment. MAP International is a Christian organization that was started in 1956 by J. Raymond Knighton. It promises help for anyone in need, without regard for religion, race, gender, nationality, ethics or background.
In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks, its workers contribute immediate humanitarian assistance, which includes medicine and healthcare supplies. Since its founding more than 60 years ago, MAP International has donated $6 billion in medical supplies to communities in need.
MAP International is a charity against poverty that is known for its high-quality free healthcare, and this directly combats counterfeit medicines.
For many countries that are crippled by poverty, a simple visit to the doctor may not only be expensive, but it also may be a long journey. Rather than visiting a qualified facility, people will look for local treatments that are unreliable, outdated and risky.
When MAP provides free healthcare, it allows people to break away from counterfeit medications and gain easier access to the proper treatment.
Rotary International
This organization works to promote peace, fight diseases, provide clean water, improve maternal and newborn healthcare, support education and improve local, struggling economies.
Started in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, Rotary International is divided into three separate programs: Rotary Club, Rotary International and Rotary Foundation.
- Rotary Club is a group of people who are dedicated to taking action, exchanging ideas and building vital relationships to help those in needs.
- Rotary International directly supports the Rotary Club. Its primary goal is to plan global programs and other initiatives.
- The Rotary Foundation’s job is to finance humanitarian activities ranging from local service projects to global programs.
In 2009, Rotary International partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to bring clean water and sanitation to those in need. Like Rotary international, USAID is another charity against poverty.
In past years, these two organizations have successfully provided clean water and sanitation. In 2015, they donated $4 million to Ghana, Madagascar and Uganda to improve their water and sanitation conditions. Now, they work to provide another $2 million to each country to continue the improvements.
Organizations such as these have improved the livelihood of millions. They have given the opportunity for a better life to those who were born into systematically neglected communities.
– Cassidy Dyce
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