The Medical Teams International community is deeply disturbed by the ruthless acts of violence this past week that killed eight women, six of Asian descent, in Atlanta, Georgia, and the thousands of other reported anti-Asian hate and gender-based crimes that the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has historically faced and increasingly experienced this past year.

Medical Teams stands against all forms of racism, intolerance and harassment, and any acts that prevent an individual or communities’ rights to dignity, safety and equity.

As a faith-based humanitarian health organization, we seek to love like Jesus and break barriers to health for the vulnerable in need of life-saving care during crisis.  We do this regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, religious beliefs and any other identity markers that can negatively impact an individual’s health outcomes and his or her ability to access equitable medical care. We recognize that racism can be considered a public health emergency in the U.S. and globally, disproportionately impeding people of color’s access to needed medical care.

We pray for and stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We are committed, as an organization, to just laws, systems and societies where everyone is protected from discrimination.