International Medical Delegation to Honduras
My name is Niraj Ganjawala and I am a junior studying at The University of New Mexico.
As a Pre-Medical undergraduate student, I am constantly looking for opportunities
to reach out to those in need and serve impoverished communities. The opportunity
arrived with the kind mission of the International Medical Delegation (IMD) that is
going to reach out to the underprivileged in Honduras.
The International Medical Delegation to Honduras is made up of exceptional Pre-Medical,
Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Dental, Pre-Allied Health, and socially minded students who are raising
awareness about the global demands for medicine. In May 2010, IMD will travel to Honduras,
Central America, for the first time, to observe the need for healthcare in some of its poorest
communities.
Our most important project is going to be with the worldwide organization of Operation
Smile. Operation Smile has successfully established a clinic in the capital city of
Honduras, Tegucigalpa. Their mission is to treat children with “facial deformities such
as cleft lips and cleft palates all around the world” (OperationSmile.org/). According to
the director of the clinic, Giannini Guell, the surgery of each child is worth $750.00. IMD
plans to raise enough funds for the medical appointments and operations of at least six
children.
According to the “Human Development Report-Honduras 2006” by the United Nations
Developing Program, there is only one doctor available for every 3,865 citizens.
We will be travelling to the towns of El Horno and Montana de Azacualpa located in the
San Buenaventura municipal that is composed of a population of about 2,250 citizens.
IMD plans to attend an orphanage center called Casitas Kennedy to share with children
educational information on basic hygiene. We also plan to make this event for the
children a moment where they can celebrate their youth and happiness by bringing them
cake, candy pinatas and toys. All of these supplies are going to be donated or facilitated
by IMD funds.
Lastly, the delegation aims to work with the worldwide organization “Habitat for
Humanity” to provide a home to at least one poor family. The building of this small shelter
along with the materials needed costs around $7,500.00. IMD attempts to pay
this full cost or most of it.
We are asking for donations to this worthwhile cause. They money that we raise
will be used to pay for medical supplies, educational materials, and building materials.
This is in addition to our costs for transportation, lodging and food for the students
participating in the medical delegation.
A check or money order can be sent to International Medical Delegation. The Federal
Tax Identification number associated with the UNM Foundation is 85-0275408. A Tax
reduction receipt is available upon request. You can make checks payable to UNM
International Medical Delegation (It is vital that you specify in the Memo that the money
is being donated to the cause in Honduras (there is another branch that provides aid to
another Central American country).
If anyone needs to contact me do not hesitate.
Niraj Ganjawala
Member of *UNM International Medical Delegation: Honduras
or Liam Aguilar
President of *UNM International Medical Delegation: Honduras
imdhonduras@hotmail.com* <imdhonduras@hotmail.com>
(713) 480-3432