Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC)

The Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving access to healthcare for medically underserved families worldwide. Established in 2002 by Vikram Bakhru, FIMRC operates in nine countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, India, Nicaragua, Peru, Uganda, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and the Philippines.

Mission and Approach

FIMRC’s mission is to provide access to healthcare for low-resource and medically underserved families around the world. They achieve this through a multifaceted strategy encompassing:

• Access: Establishing clinics and healthcare infrastructure in underserved communities.

• Education: Implementing health education programs tailored to community needs.

• Participation: Engaging local communities and global volunteers in healthcare initiatives.

Programs and Opportunities

FIMRC offers various programs for individuals interested in contributing to global health, including:

• Global Health Volunteer Program: Onsite volunteering opportunities at FIMRC project sites.

• Virtual Programs: Remote participation in public health initiatives and education.

• Internships and Fellowships: Opportunities for students and professionals to gain experience in global health settings.

  FIMRC’s Uganda initiative, known as Project Bududa, is situated in the rural district of Bududa in eastern Uganda, near Mount Elgon. This project serves a catchment area of approximately 40,000 people, focusing on providing comprehensive healthcare services and health education to underserved communities.

  📍 About Project Bududa

  Project Bududa operates a clinic that offers primary care, maternal and child health services, HIV treatment, and malaria diagnosis. Beyond clinical care, FIMRC emphasizes community-based outreach, including health education workshops, nutrition programs, and support for HIV-positive children and families. Volunteers engage in activities such as taking patient vitals, assisting in laboratory diagnostics, and conducting community health surveys.

  The project also provides opportunities for volunteers to participate in community development initiatives, such as establishing gardens for HIV-positive children to promote nutrition and income generation. These efforts aim to address the broader determinants of health in the community.

  🧭 Location & Access

  Bududa is located approximately 240 kilometers east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The area is characterized by its mountainous terrain and dispersed rural communities. Volunteers typically travel from Kampala to Bududa by road, a journey that offers scenic views of Uganda’s countryside.

Contact Information

• Website: www.fimrc.org

• Email: info@fimrc.org

• Phone: +1 (888) 211-8575

• Mailing Address:
  1518 Walnut St, Suite 1504
  Philadelphia, PA 19102
  United States