Since 1991, AMAR has provided professional health and education on a sustained and lasting basis, and today delivers over one million medical consultations each year through a network of 45 health centres in Iraq and Lebanon, benefiting a catchment area of over 600,000 men, women and children.

AMAR is able to offer thorough care at low cost through its innovative model of primary health care services, such as the Women Health Volunteers programme, mobile health clinics, and home nurse visits which compliment the core work of the Foundation’s Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) and Health Posts.

The AMAR model has proven to be uniquely suited to today’s development challenges. This is because:

AMAR is local.    All staff are indigenous to the country in which they serve and supplies and equipment are purchased locally wherever possible. Community leaders are indispensable partners in our programs. 

AMAR builds upon existing structures.    AMAR works closely with local and national governments, strengthening their capacity and institutions in adherence with the highest international standards

AMAR programs are sustainable.   Because of their local staff and orientation, AMAR programmes are exceptionally cost-effective and facilitate the transition to self-governance. Host countries can afford to continue services when AMAR leaves. 

AMAR teaches as it treats.   All staff get regular in-service training and beneficiaries receive health information (topical and practical) through AMAR’s preventive outreach activities.

AMAR focuses on women and children.   Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 are priorities and AMAR has developed an extensive network of over 1,000 local Women Health Volunteers.

AMAR works for all in need and respects all religions and cultures.

In addition to health care, tens of thousands more people benefit from AMAR’s programmes in education. AMAR supplements primary and secondary schools with programmes in health education, democracy and human rights. AMAR also offers adult programmes which include leadership training, adult literacy and vocational training courses in IT, English and business skills.

AMAR clinics and education programmes form an anchor that reassures and stabilises communities that have few other shared institutions. AMAR’s facilities are located in underserved areas that have suffered greatly in recent conflicts. The assurances that comes from dependable health care and good schools for children and adult learners creates a calmer, more optimistic and less conflict-prone community.

You can read how these programmes affect individuals on the ground in the AMAR U.S. Thanksgiving Newsletter, which details the personal stories of Salima, a young widow in Basra, and Nayfa, a grandmother of nine fighting breast cancer in Southern Lebanon.

We urge you to join us in supporting women like Salima and Nayfa by making a donation today. Even a small regular donation will have a big impact, ensuring that our local staff and volunteers can continue to deliver the simple, cost-effective but vital services that save lives and stabilise communities. Together we can help many more Iraqis and Lebanese to rebuild their lives.