FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steve DeVore
Tel. 515/201-2993
Email: SJDeVore@dwx.com

THE ROAD TO TIMBUKTU BEGINS IN DES MOINES

          On September 22nd, Des Moines-based Medicine for Mali will launch its 17th trip to deliver medical assistance to the impoverished country of Mali in West Africa.  Headed by Dr. Steven DeVore, Executive Director, a diverse group of medical professionals including physicians, nurses, public health specialists and medical students will provide much needed care to the community of 8,000 that Medicine for Mali serves.  In total, about 1,000 people will receive treatment and medication for illnesses including malaria, intestinal worms and infections during this trip. Some minor surgeries will also be performed by the Medicine for Mali team. 
            Mali is considered to be one of the most stable and democratic counties in Africa, yet it lacks the resources to provide basic healthcare to its population – with annual healthcare expenditure averaging just over $50 USD per capita.  In contrast, the annual healthcare expenditure in the U.S. is over $6000 USD per capita. It is this inequality in basic human services that the Medicine for Mali team is working to alleviate.
            In addition to delivering medical services, several members of the team will focus on public health initiatives. Under the stewardship of Jill DeVore, public health projects have become a key part of Medicine for Mali’s efforts to improve the lives of children in Mali.  A five-year nutrition plan launched in 2005 has already reduced the child malnutrition rate from 43% to 20% in the villages Medicine for Mali serves. Training, volunteerism and delivering culturally sustainable programs have ensured the continuing success of the nutrition program.  Working in concert with the Public Health Department at Des Moines University, the September 2007 effort will include evaluation of the current nutrition plan, delivery of 300 treated bed nets with malaria prevention training, resolution of problems with failing latrines and renewal of the “Girls In School” and high school scholarship programs.  The very successful micro-finance program that focuses on economic empowerment for rural women will be evaluated for new loan opportunities.

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 Medicine for Mali, a Des Moines-based non-profit, was founded in 2000 to provide medical and humanitarian assistance to a group of impoverished Malian villages in Western Africa.  The group relies solely on private donations and volunteers to deliver much needed help to one of the world’s poorest populations.  Over 96% of all donations go directly to medical and assistance programs. For more information, please contact Dr. Steven DeVore (sjdevore@dwx.com) or visit www.medicineformali.org.