April 13, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Baroody

Phone: 800-225-8550

FAX: 912-265-6170

MAP INTERNATIONAL WORKS WITH UNHCR/WHO SANCTIONED AGENCY TO SEND $1.1 MILLION IN MEDICINES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO KOSOVAR REFUGEES

Brunswick, GA, -- MAP (Medical Assistance Programs) International is working through International Medical Corp (IMC) headquartered in California, to send over $1.1 million in medicines, medical supplies and personal care items to the Kosovar refugees in camps in Albania and Macedonia. IMC is a UNHCR/WHO sanctioned agency who has been given the responsibility for health related matters for refugees in Albania. MAP is their primary provider of medicines and medical supplies for this crisis.

IMC presently has staff in Tirana, Kukes, Shkoder and Durres. Working beside Albanian and Kosovar physicians, MAP's medicines and medical supplies will assist them in providing medical services and running mobile clinics - four in Macedonia and ten in Albania. A mobile clinic in Macedonia reported processing one patient every 30 seconds -- 3,000 a day.  

IMC has requested of MAP a medical relief shipment to include over $1.1 million (wholesale value) of desperately needed life saving medicines such as antibiotics, children's analgesics and cold and cough syrup, and oral rehydration salts. These medicines and additional first aid supplies, antibacterial soaps, and personal care items, will be airlifted to nearly 1 million people residing in squalid conditions in Balkan refugee camps.

MAP's Relief Director John Garvin, and Mark Mosely, Director of International Medical Resources will arrive in Albania next week for immediate assessment of the situation and follow-up on the implementation of MAP's medical aid shipments. "MAP is one of the primary groups ministering to health related needs." said Garvin. "Our focus is on strategic long-term partnership with other humanitarian agencies who have a permanent presence in the area".

MAP International is a 45 year old Christian, non sectarian relief and development agency with health care programs in over 130 developing countries. MAP has assisted the people of the Balkan area since the late 1980's. Every $1.00 provides at least $15.00 in medicines and medical supplies. 

Only 1.4% of revenue is used for administration and fundraising. Contributions and requests for information or interviews, should be directed to Suzanne Baroody, Director of Public Relations.

MAP INTERNATIONAL
c/o Kosovo Refugee Relief
2200 Glynco Parkway
Brunswick, GA 31525
Phone: 1-800-225-8550
E-mail: mapus@map.org
Internet: www.map.org