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Who is CMMB?
CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) is an organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare solutions to some of the world’s neediest people. Founded in 1928, CMMB is unique in that the organization provides a unified approach to healthcare: acquisition and distribution of pharmaceuticals, placement of medical volunteers, and the management of specific programs to address HIV/AIDS, child health, and neglected diseases. In FY2007, total support to CMMB reached over US$207 million. It donated 535 shipments of medicines and medical supplies to 47 countries valued at more than US$185 million, and placed 374 volunteers in 29 countries whose time amounted to 17,812 days of service valued at US$5.9 million.
Does CMMB only serve Catholics?
Not at all. CMMB provides medications and healthcare to people in need all over the world, without any discrimination of religious beliefs.
As a Christian organization, does CMMB evangelize?
No. Consider CMMB’s mission: “Founded in 1928 and rooted in the healing ministry of Jesus, Catholic Medical Mission Board works collaboratively to provide quality healthcare programs and services, without discrimination, to people in need around the world.” This mandate leaves little room for work outside the provision of healthcare.
I’m not a medical professional, but I would like to become a CMMB volunteer. How do I get started?
While we certainly appreciate your offer, CMMB does not presently have the resources to place individuals other than licensed medical professionals.
What healthcare programs and services does CMMB deliver currently?
CMMB is uniquely positioned to provide qualified medical volunteers, distribute donated medicines, and implement specific programs in countries around the globe. These three areas form an arch under which all of CMMB’s work resides.
CMMB is a partner in the five member AIDSRelief consortium, expanding the delivery of antiretroviral therapies to HIV-infected persons in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Born to Live provides antenatal care, HIV counseling and testing services, short-course antiretroviral treatment, antibiotic therapy, and follow-up care for mothers and their infants. Born to Live is currently active in Kenya, South Africa, Swaziland, Nigeria, Zambia, Haiti and Papua New Guinea.
Choose to Care has supported more than 140 community-based HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support programs in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho.
Back to Haiti is a major public health initiative that provides primary healthcare and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs focused on women and children. Space It is operated in partnership with the Catholic Church, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, RISCAP, and CARITAS.
Men Taking Action is a pioneering effort in Zambia to involve men in the direct healthcare of their wives and children. Aimed at educating and informing men, the program takes into account cultural issues within many Zambian tribes to address specific issues and concerns. The result of this effort is better healthcare among families and a reduction in new HIV infections within communities.
CMMB's Accion pol la Salud Familiar (Action for Family Health) is being implemented in five countries: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. CMMB works in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization and faith-based healthcare facilities.
Who supports CMMB?
Last year CMMB received support from 37,188 individuals, 47 foundations, 54 corporations, 38 trusts and estates, 190 health and religious-affiliated organizations, and administered two grants from the U.S. government. Total support to CMMB in FY2006 was approximately US$161 million. CMMB also receives substantial in-kind donations from pharmaceutical companies.
Is CMMB supported by the Catholic Church?
Not directly. CMMB is fortunate to have solid relationships with many parishes and church-related organizations, but is not financially supported by the Church as a whole.
Does CMMB provide program site visits for journalists?
CMMB is always eager to work with our partners in the media. We are happy to coordinate trips to CMMB sites around the world, arrange for interviews with volunteers and individuals who are helped by CMMB’s work, and even help plan travel logistics for journalists. For more information, please email shamilton@cmmb.org.
How is a faith-based healthcare organization, like CMMB, different from other institutions engaged in the same field?
The importance of the role of faith-based organizations in delivering solutions to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the developing countries cannot be overstated. The faith-based network within many countries is often the most trusted source of refuge for those seeking help in any way, regardless of creed or color. Zambia is a prime example. CMMB’s partnership with the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) provides it with the opportunity to partner with clinics on the ground to prevent the transmission of HIV. Similarly, in Latin America and the Caribbean, CMMB has partnered with Catholic healthcare networks in five countries to lower childhood mortality by teaching basic healthcare.
What percentage of funds is actually used for programs?
Of every dollar that CMMB receives, 96 cents goes directly towards providing medical assistance to people in need in the developing world. This positions CMMB among a very small group of charities with such a high rate of contributions applied directly to services.
What is CMMB's policy Vis a Vis condoms as a means to prevent HIV/AIDS?
As a Catholic organization, CMMB does not—and has not—distributed condoms or advocated their use as a means of preventing the transmission of HIV from one person to another. The education programs CMMB supports focus on individual responsibility, monogamy, abstinence, respect, religious faith, and basic healthcare. We provide to our partners complete and accurate information about condoms as part of our prevention efforts. CMMB follows national guidelines established by the ministry of health, and those of the presiding Conference of Catholic Bishops in each country where we have HIV and AIDS programs.
CMMB, as a faith-based leader in global healthcare, is committed to providing care and treatment to those individuals living with HIV and AIDS. A great deal of CMMB’s work in developing nations also involves the prevention of HIV transmission. We are making a profound impact in these countries without involving the distribution of condoms. Our PMTCT—prevention of mother-to-child transmission—programs are significantly reducing the numbers of babies being born HIV+. We have also taken a leadership role in male circumcision, a proven method of reducing the risk of infection.
Another CMMB program that is realizing significant success is “Men Taking Action” in Zambia. We are educating, counseling, and testing men from many tribes so that they can be active participants in preventing the spread of HIV.
CMMB is dedicated to preventing the transmission of HIV, and while we do not distribute condoms, our work is making a significant impact in prevention efforts around the globe.
You talk a lot about HIV and AIDS, but I thought that was under control. Why are you still doing so much work with HIV and AIDS patients?
While deaths due to AIDS have declined in the United States in recent years, HIV and AIDS continue to devastate families, communities, and nations across the globe. This health crisis warrants all of the attention CMMB is providing.
How many clergy work for CMMB?
This is a little difficult to answer because CMMB works with many organizations throughout the world. Some of our partners include parishes, church-run hospitals and clinics, stand-alone programs administered by church-affiliated folks, etc. Whether as employees, volunteers, or as part of their work with other organizations, CMMB is fortunate to work with a great many clergy at any one time.
I see you are headquartered in New York. With rents so high there, does it really make sense for an organization like CMMB to have offices there?
CMMB’s mission has long resonated with supporters. Because so many people believed in CMMB early on, we were able to purchase a building for our administrative offices. This investment allows CMMB to devote substantial resources directly to the people who need assistance, without having to worry about monthly rent payments.
Can I make automatic donations from my credit card or checking account?
Absolutely. Please contact our Philanthropy Department at (800) 678-5659, or info@cmmb.org and we will assist you further.
Can I dedicate my donation to someone or make a donation on behalf of a person?
Yes. A gift to CMMB is a wonderful tribute to a loved one, friend, favorite clergyperson, or colleague. You can specify your gift to be in honor or in memory of anyone you choose. This information is entered in the Honor/Memorial Donation section. CMMB will mail a Tribute card to your recipient announcing that an Honor or Memorial donation was made by you. You will also receive a letter acknowledging your gift. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your friend or loved one to receive the card.
Does CMMB accept in-kind donation of medicines or clothes from individuals?
CMMB is able to help hundreds of thousands of people every year, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Because staff resources are limited, we do not have the capacity to accept and distribute contributions of medications or clothing.
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