Removing weeds and bushes may not fit exactly into the conventional understanding of what constitutes a healthcare intervention. But when people are facing mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, one of the best approaches is to cut off the threat at the source. In Bolívar state, mosquitoes spread disease and cause dengue fever, which can cause flu-like …
Five years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the world shut down—businesses closed, people who could started working remotely and social events were canceled. Though we have mostly recovered from those dark days, communities are now grappling with new outbreaks of infectious diseases—including cholera, dengue, Ebola and mpox—that pose significant threats to public health. As …
It’s flu season again—or is it? Actually, it depends on where you are. In the Northern Hemisphere, flu season is October to May, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s June to October. No matter where you catch it, the flu is caused by a virus—unlike some other respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, which can be …
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 …
International Medical Corps experts review 2024’s challenges and achievements, and preview what issues the world may face in 2025.
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 …
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 …