Dear Friend of MRA,

Happy New Year from Medical Relief Alliance!  We wish you a healthy and prosperous 2007. 

As MRA begins its fifth year service, we take this time to reflect on our accomplishments and the situation as it exists in Africa, and Kenya specifically. While the AIDS epidemic in Kenya peaked in the late 1990s with an overall HIV prevalence of 10 percent in adults, it declined to 6.1 percent by the end of 2005, according to UNAIDS.  Despite this encouraging news, 62% of those who are HIV positive live in the rural areas of Kenya in which MRA operates, and 57% of people living with AIDS are women.  During MRA’s 2006 mobile testing visits approximately 30% of those tested were HIV positive – an infection rate five times higher than the national average.  Additionally rates among individuals of reproductive age are on the rise and infant mortality rates are beginning to worsen.  While the positive trends give us hope, we must remain vigilant and remember those who are often overlooked in the war against HIV/AIDS.

MRA made great strides in 2006.  Thanks to our supporters we tripled our annual budget, enhanced our efforts, and sent almost $100,000 worth of donated medical supplies and equipment to Kenya.  Our largest shipment to-date contained over 67 modern hospital beds, allowing several Transmara District facilities to replace rusty, decrepit beds, and fill empty maternity wards.  MRA’s proudest accomplishment of 2006 is the partnership we have formed with the National and District-level governments of Kenya.  The government partially funded the transportation of MRA’s donations from the port to the rural areas where we work, and waived all custom and duty fees.  The Kenyan Minister of Immigration, Hon. Gideon Konchella, visited MRA’s recipient hospitals and was quoted in the national newspaper praising the donation; “These are the best hospital beds in the whole country.  May MRA and Kenya continue to work together.” 

Recently, MRA added an innovative program to assist families living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya.  The “Jo-Bu” Goat Project, which gifts a female goat to a female-headed household, was introduced in 2006.  The goat provides milk and fertilizer for the family, improving the nutritional quality of their diet.  A male buck will be periodically provided to mate, generating offspring, and reproducing the family’s asset base over time.  As you think about gifts for family and friends this season please consider the Gift-a-Goat initiative.  It costs only $50 to Gift-a-Goat to a family, markedly improving their quality of life. 

MRA credits its fundamental approach of providing opportunities rather than “aid” in the traditional sense with the profound impact we have achieved.  Every facility that receives a donated piece of equipment is required to put resources back into the community.  For example, hospitals and health centers that received our donated hospital beds participate in our outreach programs by donating use of their vehicle, staff, or testing kits.  Additionally these facilities provide services to MRA beneficiaries at no cost, providing increased access to health care in the areas where we work.  Likewise, a recipient of our Gift-a-Goat initiative is given to families affected by HIV/AIDS.  In return they agree to join a support group for those living with HIV/AIDS and begin their ARV medications.  Assessments of our work have shown that this opportunity-based approach is both effective and systemic and it is what sets MRA apart. 

As you carefully chose charitable causes to support, please keep MRA in mind.  MRA continues to put nearly $.98 of every $1 towards it programs.  Your support will enable us to elevate the quality of life of our beneficiaries and give them the greatest chance for a healthy and happy life. 

Happy New Year,