IMHO is a grassroots global not-for-profit health organization that seeks to develop healthcare services and infrastructure in under-served regions worldwide. The organization was founded on the principles of humanitarianism and neutrality in 2004 by a volunteer group of doctors and professionals who shared a vision for improved global health and medical care.
IMHO aims to improve health care across the globe by identifying health needs and providing training and resources to address those needs. We believe in empowering communities to build their own health systems, improve overall health, and respond to health needs as they arise. IMHO frequently partners with local and international non-governmental organizations to better channel assistance to needy populations. Our work is focused on primary care and public health, health education, training and capacity-building.
In 2008, IMHO (which was originally formed in the US in 2004) grew with the addition of IMHO Canada, which now serves as an independent not-for-profit organization that coordinates efforts closely with IMHO USA. In late 2010, IMHO Lanka and IMHO European Union/UK were officially launched as well, marking a new frontier in the growth of the organization. IMHO USA is a registered USAID Private Voluntary Organization and a member of InterAction, the largest conglomeration of US-based relief and development agencies.
Due to the unique nature of the organization, IMHO is primarily focused on impoverished and disadvantaged regions of Sri Lanka, where marginalized populations have endured conflict, poverty and other hardships. IMHO works through an extensive network of contacts on the ground, including local doctors, health care officials and other grassroots organizations in identifying health needs, and providing resources and training to accommodate those needs. Over the years, IMHO has contributed to emergency relief and development efforts in Myanmar (Burma), Bangladesh, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Somalia, the US and Canada.
Over the past 14 years, IMHO has invested more than $5 million in financial and material support to several local partner organizations and institutions, the vast majority of which have benefitted communities deeply affected by chronic poverty, war, natural disaster and other hardships across Sri Lanka.
IMHO continues to support several important initiatives tackling the growing problems of poor nutrition, under developed education systems and support, livelihood challenges, diabetes, autism, alcoholism, heart disease, hospice care and a health infrastructure still trying to recover after years of conflict and hardship.
With a vast network of local partners on whom we can rely, we can be sure that aid and assistance is getting through efficiently and effectively. Nearly one hundred percent of donor contributions can be used to support the needy projects as current administration costs are less than three percent, all covered by board member donations.
The past year has been a great one for implementing the IMHO projects. Three major projects – Neuro -Developmental Disorder Center (“Theeraniyam”) in Batticaloa, Empowerment of the Up Country and Sampoor Resettlement – were initiated during the year with satisfying results.
- Dr. Kanaga Sena is a Clinical Professor of Neurology at Yale University School of Medicine and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine.
