Guest Author - Rev. Jackie O´Neal S.T.M.

Founded in 1984 by a group of volunteer doctors and nurses, the International Medical Corp trains community health workers to help bring about self-reliance in regions affected by conflict.

In Kenya, after the national election created political and tribal conflict, 250,000 persons were displaced and 500 reported killed. Currently, the United Nations estimates that half a million persons will require humanitarian assistance in the areas of health care, TB and HIV treatment, food security and clean water.

Of great concern in recent weeks has been the increase in the number of TB patients missing treatment appointments as a result of the strife in Kenya. An International Medical Corp official reported this turn of events represents an enormous setback for Kenya's struggle against the TB epidemic.

According to the World Health Organization, Kenya currently ranks 10th for the total numbder of TB cases and 6th for TB cases per capita.

The International Medical Corp operates in forty five countries, provides four thousand volunteer doctors and nurses who focus on health care.

The situation among the TB patients, now untreated as a result of displacement continues to be critical. TB programs need to detect at least seventy percent of new TB cases and treat eighty five percent successfully in order to keep the TB epidemic that plagues the region, under control.

The International Medical Corp has been going into conflict zones to train community volunteers since 1984, and started their first program in Afghanistan.

The organization maintains and extensive website where secure donations can be made by the public.

The International Medical Corp website also includes an informative interview with Dr. Jill John-Kall, an IMC volunteer doctor, sharing anecdotes and commentary about her relief work in the Darfur region of Sudan. The segment is hosted by Tavis Smiley on PBS.

Dr.Jill John-Kall explains the process of working as part of a medical team in the field, and its special challenges.