Medical Teams International Bus. Photo by Medical Teams
Medical Teams International, a global health and humanitarian relief organization, has launched “Rise to the Moment”, a fundraising campaign to help drive urgent work providing compassionate, life-saving healthcare to people in crisis around the world.
The goal is to raise USD 1 million by August 31, leveraging a $500,000 match donation made to the campaign.
Medical Teams works in Colombia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Moldova, and the United States, delivering healthcare to refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities.
For 45 years, the organization has been saving lives, alleviating suffering, and restoring human dignity by offering comprehensive services in health, nutrition, and mental health.
The focus is on complex humanitarian settings where healthcare systems have been disrupted, access to care is limited or non-existent, and external assistance is essential.
In these environments, the organization’s local staff and community health volunteers are often the only source of medical care for thousands of people.
“All of our staff and volunteers are determined to rise to the moment to meet more needs and save more lives, and we’re so thankful for the donors who have already joined us,” said Eric Ha, Medical Teams President & CEO.
Funding Gaps Affect Essential Services
The appeal comes at a time when the humanitarian aid sector is facing severe strain.
In 2025, the U.S. government’s dissolution of USAID, deep cuts to many UN agencies, and a worldwide decline in funding have left aid organizations struggling to meet sharply rising needs driven by hunger, conflict, and displacement.
Among those most affected are the roughly 122 million people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes, many of whom face high levels of physical and emotional distress and are at greater risk of life-threatening illnesses.
In Uganda home to nearly two million refugees’ procurement delays by UNHCR have led to stockouts of essential medicines and supplies.
High workloads for medical staff compound the problem, with clinicians averaging 75 consultations per day last quarter, meaning patients who are fortunate enough to be seen receive less time and attention.
While many of Medical Teams’ health services fit into the current U.S. administration’s definition of life-saving work and are eligible for humanitarian waivers and reimbursement others do not, despite being potentially life-saving.
These include treatment for mental health conditions such as PTSD and care for moderate malnutrition, both of which are crucial to the safety and well-being of children and families in border points, refugee camps, and settlements.
Cuts to aid have made these challenges even more urgent.
These gaps leave communities more vulnerable to illness, malnutrition, and preventable deaths.
“However, as we navigate this time of great uncertainty, we need many more people of goodwill to join us. We believe in the American people’s compassion, generosity, and sense of common humanity. If there was ever a time to demonstrate those virtues, it’s now,” said Ha.
$500K Matching Opportunity
An anonymous donor has already pledged a $500,000 match to the Rise to the Moment campaign.
To unlock the full gift, Medical Teams aims to raise an additional $500,000 by August 31.
Every contribution will be doubled through the match, enabling the organization to expand its reach and provide vital health services to people in crisis.
Funds raised will support health interventions across all eight countries of operation, from mobile health clinics in remote refugee settlements to mental health support for communities recovering from conflict.
About Medical Teams International
Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and survivors of conflict zones and natural disasters.
Guided by its mission of daring to love like Jesus, the organization cares for the whole person and serves all people, regardless of background.
With active programs in Colombia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Moldova, and the United States, Medical Teams responds both to sudden emergencies and long-term humanitarian needs, working in some of the world’s most challenging environments to restore health and hope.
