(Portland, OR) March 7, 2023 — Women are strong and are overcomers. Even so, around the world, there are many circumstances so dire that their basic health and survival are at risk daily. Medical Teams International, a global humanitarian and health organization, is dedicated to providing life-saving medical care to people in crisis, particularly women and children.

This Wednesday, March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day. It is a time to honor the accomplishments and resilience of women, but it is also a time to reflect that much work remains to be done. Protecting and fostering women’s physical and mental health, especially through the eradication of gender-based violence and other injustices, must become a global priority.

“On this important day for the world’s women, Medical Teams acknowledges our female staff, volunteers, and those we serve,” said Martha Holley Newsome, President & CEO of Medical Teams International. “Whether giving birth, planning her family, or preventing disease, all women need and deserve community support and quality medical care and resources. Our skilled medical professionals and volunteers know that women and mothers will thrive and bring about positive change to their communities and families if given the opportunity.”

Martha Holley Newsome is available for interviews on Wednesday, March 8, International Women’s Day. She has spent the last 30 years of her life dedicated to serving the health needs of others. In her current role, Martha leads more than 1,500 international staff as they restore health to three million people through medical and dental care, disaster response, humanitarian aid and community health programs.

Considered an authoritative global leader in international public health, Martha has a deep understanding of grassroots operations as she worked her way to senior leadership from the front-line realities of local community health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Martha lived in southern Africa for 15 years, and at the age of 33, was elevated to Country Director for World Vision in post-war Mozambique. Prior to joining Medical Teams International in 2016, she led World Vision International’s Global Sustainable Health team representing three sectors, over 3,000 employees and a budget of $700M.

Martha is Chair of the Integral Alliance Board of Directors, an international alliance of 21 faith-based relief and development agencies and is published in public health journals including the Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine and Human Resources of Health.

About Medical Teams International

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as survivors of natural disasters and refugees. We care for the whole person — physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Daring to love like Jesus, we serve all people — regardless of religion, nationality, sex, or race. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams.

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