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International Medical Relief: What You Need to Know

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International medical relief is one of the most direct ways to address the healthcare crises affecting millions of people around the world. Whether responding to a disaster, supplementing an underfunded healthcare system, or training local professionals to build sustainable care, medical relief takes many forms. Understanding what medical relief actually involves—and how you can be part of it—is the first step toward meaningful involvement.

 

What Is Medical Relief?

International medical relief can happen when there is a disaster in a country, or it can serve as a supplement to the regular healthcare delivery system. A third option for international medical relief is teaching and training indigenous women and men so that they can work to build up the healthcare system in their own country.

Many countries lack a fully functional healthcare system. According to WHO health systems performance data, the gaps are significant and well-documented. Here are three countries with the most pressing need:

  • Republic of Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone has the dubious distinction of being the worst country in providing healthcare to its citizens, with a score of 0.00 on the World Health Organization’s health systems performance index. There are only about 22 physicians for every million people, and about 60% of the rural population does not have adequate access to clean drinking water. Life expectancy at birth is about 54 years. For the 6 million people who live here, they need help.

  • Republic of the Union of Myanmar: With a score of 0.138/1 on the WHO health systems performance index. This makes it the second-worst country in the world in providing healthcare. Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. Myanmar’s spending on health care as a part of its GDP (0.5% to 3%) is among the lowest in the world, and it receives the least amount of international aid per capita. The average life expectancy is 50 years. There are only 6 doctors for every million citizens.

  • Central African Republic: With a WHO health systems performance score of 0.156/1, the Central African Republic (CAR) is the third-worst country where health care is concerned. It is a landlocked country in Central Africa enclosed by Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, DRC, the Republic of Congo, and Cameroon. The average life expectancy is just 49 years. Sanitation problems and lack of clean water are major sources of ill health in this country.

 

Is There Faith-Based International Medical Relief?

Some international medical relief is purely medical, offering services and supplies to countries that lack adequate care. Other organizations combine physical and spiritual well-being, approaching what medical relief means through a faith-driven lens.

If you are interested in faith-based international medical relief, here are a few Bible verses for encouragement as you consider how you might serve:

  • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” —Psalm 147:3

  • “Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” —Luke 10:9

  • “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” —Matthew 4:23

  • “When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.” —Luke 9:11

If you're interested in faith-based international medical relief, here are short-term mission trips you can be part of.

 

Are There Internships for International Medical Relief?

Yes. There are many options for serving in international medical relief through internships. Here are a few of the top places to research:

  • Mercy Ships: A ship-based international healthcare organization that provides surgical interventions, education, and capacity building. Crew members serve from as little as two weeks up to several years. Over the last three decades, more than 30,000 volunteers have served on a ship.

  • Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA): CMDA's Placement Service connects healthcare professionals of Christian faith for the advancement of God's kingdom.

  • YWAM Ships: Committed to reaching isolated communities with limited access to basic resources, YWAM Ships brings healthcare education, clean water technology, immunizations, and more to remote areas.

 

Where Can I Find Careers in International Medical Relief?

If you are considering a career in international medical relief, you have options. A great starting point is the Medical Missions Jobs Board, where you can browse the full job listing and filter by specialty, location, and commitment length.

 

How Else Can I Help?

If you are not yet able to take a short-term trip or pursue a full career in international medical relief, consider giving financially to an organization doing work you believe in:

  • Blessings International: Provides pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and medical supplies to mission teams, clinics, and hospitals.

  • Cure International: Treats conditions like clubfoot, cleft lips, untreated burns, and hydrocephalus in children who would otherwise have little hope.

  • Medical Missions Outreach: Provides a blend of quality, ethical healthcare and spiritual care through local church partnerships.

  • MedSend: Removes the obstacle of student loan debt for healthcare professionals called to international medical relief, making monthly educational loan payments while they serve.

 

What Else Should I Know?

I recommend listening to former CMDA President Dave Stevens on the ten most common questions to ask before becoming a missionary.

These are just a few of the ways to get involved in international medical relief. Keep searching and exploring the ways God wants to see you involved in His work.

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