The United Methodist Church has had a historic commitment to medical missions and health ministries evidenced through the sending of medical missionaries, training of health promoters, community health workers and the establishment and support of hospitals and clinics in many countries around the world.

That commitment continues today in response to medical emergencies and to disasters, both human and natural in origin. The church also works to ensure that health workers, hospitals, clinics, and community based primary health care programs have the essential supplies needed to alleviate human suffering and promote recovery of health.

Continuing the Tradition

The Healthy Homes and Healthy Families Kit Program is a cooperative effort of Health and Welfare Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief of the General Board of Global Ministries, in conjunction with Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (I.M.A.), a nonprofit organization owned by 12 American relief and development organizations.

The Healthy Homes, Healthy Families Kit (HFK) is an infection control and basic care kit. It contains 22 essential supplies needed to take care of an ailing loved one and prevent the spread of infection. These are basic medicines and supplies needed for the day-to-day treatment and control of common infections and ailments. Some of these supplies are reusable, while the consumable items are sufficient for one month for one patient. The items in the HFK may not be easily accessible or affordable to many families who need them. The kit is designed to bring both economic and physical relief to the patient and the patient's family. In addition, the HFK will contain an instruction booklet and will be supported by training. The booklet and training are designed to help people maintain a healthy home by containing the spread of infection. Healthy homes and healthy families and will lead to healthy communities.

Why Is HFK Needed? Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General of World Health Organization has said that "our goal must be to create a world where we can all live well, fed and clothed, with dignity." Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. "Infectious diseases have come into focus because over the last couple of years we have gotten concrete evidence of the immense economic burden they put on national economies as well as individuals... We must strengthen health systems, going beyond the traditional health sector into people's homes and workplaces." This kit is one of the ways caring United Methodists can respond to the challenge before all of us.

Your congregation can play a direct role in controlling the spread of infection and in enabling people to live and die with dignity.