Friends,

Have you ever wondered how Global Care Force determines where to send volunteers? It’s simple: we go where basic medical needs remain unmet. The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Egypt and Jordan rarely makes headlines but make no mistake – the need is immense.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are 877,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt and 1.3 million refugees hosted by Jordan. These countries are havens for refugees fleeing war, persecution, and instability in Ethiopia, Sudan, Syria, Palestine and beyond. Most arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Even beyond the refugee crisis, poverty runs deep. According to the World Bank, nearly 40% of Jordanians live below the national poverty line, surviving on just $3.20 a day. While 60% of Egyptians are considered economically vulnerable, many live on less than $0.60 a daily. For refugees with limited, if any, employment opportunities, medical care remains unaffordable even if it’s accessible.

Our inaugural Egyptian team treated 1,145 patients last fall and provided nearly $11,000 in free medications, thanks to our donors’ generosity. But it was just a drop in the bucket compared to overwhelming needs.

Why do we go? Let me share one story. A refugee mother brought her baby to our clinic in Egypt. Volunteer Ann Schwanda, RN, immediately recognized how critical the situation was — the child was having trouble breathing, and it was obvious she was in respiratory distress. Ann took the baby to the Egyptian doctor volunteering with the team, who listened to the baby and diagnosed pneumonia and that she needed immediate hospital care. Unfortunately, the mother had no way to pay. Our team stabilized the infant girl and pooled their own resources to cover the cost of emergency treatment. Without them, I’m not sure that the baby would have survived.

We need more volunteers like Ann! We have an urgent need for providers and a nurse for our July Egypt team. Will you step up? Several more opportunities await in Egypt and Jordan through 2025. Find a date that works for you.

If you can’t volunteer, please support those who can. Consider becoming a recurring donor – your gift saves lives like this little girl’s. This is why Global Care Force exists. To stand in the gap — to bring healing, hope, and human connection where it’s needed most.

With gratitude,