• International Medical Volunteers Associationn. (IMVA)
• P.O. Box 205
• Woodville, MA 01784
• Phone: 508-435-7377
• Fax: 508-497-9568
• E-mail: info@imva.org
• Web: www.imva.org

They don't organize medical relief trips, but they're an excellent information source for people who go overseas to help individually or in groups—as well as for folks who are already involved throughout the world. IMVA can give you names of organizations, lots of general and specific practical advice, and many other things to contemplate as you consider how to help in developing countries.

The "How the Other Half Dies" essay on their website notes that in some developing countries, governments spend as little as $4 or $5 per capita on health care—and often much of that doesn't go beyond the capital city or some major project. Rural areas may have almost nothing. It also says that "50 to 60% of all deaths in the poorest developing countries occur before the age of five as compared to 3% in the United States ... where 90% of the deaths occur after age 45." See their website for other background information and hundreds of potential links. It also allows you to post yourself as a potential volunteer.

Blindness is the most common disability in the developing world, and people with medical skills in this field are especially needed.