Global Health News & Stories

The Global Health and UMCOR response to the coronavirus pandemic continues: an ongoing, flexible plan is being developed for United Methodist church leaders, local health professionals and disaster management offices to strengthen the capacity of communities to respond with effective public health methods. The Philippines and DRC are the first partners in the prevention response.

More than 80,000 masks in sealed and unopened cartons purchased for future use are being distributed to first responders serving communities near UMCOR Sager Brown Depot.

Given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on revenue sources and cash flow, Global Ministries and UMCOR have placed temporary holds on most grant payments.

Across time zones, directors of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries made a virtual trip to Atlanta for their spring meeting.

Dr. Mark Zimmerman, a missionary doctor serving in Nepal, shares the story of one of his patients, a young woman who is still coping with the aftereffects of a 2015 earthquake that claimed most of her family.

Only about 34% of the homes in Hancock County, Tennessee, are connected to the municipal water system. Wells and mountain springs supply the rest. The United Methodist Jubilee Water Project seeks to ensure that mountain residents have access to clean, filtered water in their homes; some for the first time.

In light of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, steps have been taken to ensure the safety of Global Ministries staff, missionaries, and partners in mission, as well as the Board of Directors for their upcoming March 20-21 meeting.

From local congregations to general agencies, United Methodists in the U.S. and around the world are taking significant precautions in light of the spread of coronavirus.

Tips for preparation and response for your faith community.

In Nigeria, United Methodist health facilities in rural areas have been working to improve their outreach into the communities they serve, building a strong, integrated health system that families and individuals can trust.

The United Methodist Health Board in Zambia joined local partners in Kitwe to organize and commemorate World AIDS Day 2019, “Communities making a difference, pressing toward ending AIDS.” The public celebration encouraged the public to get tested, know their status, and fight the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.

Charles Sharper and Kayla Toliver share about the Healthy Youth USA Foundation, promoting youth development through after school programming, sports, recreation and other activities. Through the provision of a $99,616.00 grant, the Global Health Unit was able to provide scholarships for 38-50 children and cover administrative costs for additional staff.