Tuberculosis—also referred to as TB—is a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness or even death if left untreated. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease with a variety of symptoms. There are two types of TB, based on the sites of infection: pulmonary TB, which infects the lungs, and extra pulmonary (meaning outside the lungs) …
In rural Zimbabwe, women and girls are the primary water collectors. Before our team made improvements to water access and infrastructure in several villages there, this responsibility was so time-consuming that school-age girls missed 10 to 15 school days per year. Suan Kupuka, who now chairs her local water committee, describes life in her Bikita …
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has made access to clean water extremely difficult, especially in areas affected by fighting and displacement. The destruction of infrastructure and restrictions on movement have left many families struggling to secure enough water for daily use. The water crisis has forced women and children to take on the exhausting …
Supporting Conflict-Affected Communities in the DRC Since January 2024, violent clashes between rebel groups and armed forces have displaced more than half a million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), contributing to the world’s second-largest displacement crisis. Entire families have been uprooted with little choice but to seek safety in overcrowded camps …
In many parts of the world, daily access to a functioning toilet is about more than just basic hygiene. The humble toilet becomes not only, as the United Nations says, a “place for peace,” but a vital tool in improving community water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices. Things like a private, working toilet promote proper …
Offering Vital Nutrition Services in Gaza In Gaza, the past year of conflict has left most families struggling to access food, with three-quarters of the population relying on aid. Local food production has collapsed, leading to widespread malnutrition among children. Seven-year-old Jana, who was severely malnourished, is just one example. Treated at International Medical Corps’ …
Responding to Extreme Flooding in Nigeria On September 10, heavy rains caused the Alau Dam to overflow, resulting in major flooding across over 40% of Maiduguri Municipal Council in Borno State. The disaster impacted more than 414,000 people, with 37 deaths and 58 injuries. It has also destroyed key infrastructure and heightened the risk of …
As we reflect on International Medical Corps’ 40-year history, we are highlighting some of the courageous volunteers and staff members who have dedicated their lives over the years to helping others. This profile of Dr. Michael Grady is the fourth in that series. We previously have profiled two other volunteers, Dr. Mike Karch and Dr. …
In rural Afghanistan, a lack of clean water and modern sanitation and hygiene can profoundly affect the quality of healthcare services. According to UNICEF, about 35% of health facilities in Afghanistan lack safe drinking water, functional toilets, handwashing stations and proper waste disposal systems—all of which are critical for effective infection prevention and control. Addressing …
Dr. Dayan Woldemichael reflects on a life of service, and his career at International Medical Corps.