New York - CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) ended its fiscal year on September 30 setting a new record for donations of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Working with leading pharmaceutical companies, the organization receives donated medicines and then ships them to developing nations around the world. According to John F. Galbraith, the organization’s president and chief executive officer, CMMB received $191 million in medicines and supplies that they ship to countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions.

“This represents an increase in donated medications of 124% since 2002. CMMB is very fortunate to have such strong partnerships with important pharmaceutical companies. Working together, we are saving untold thousands of lives of children, women, and men around the world,” said Galbraith.

While this is a notable milestone for the New York-based nonprofit, Galbraith was quick to point out that there are still unmet needs. “Of course we are delighted to have ended the year with this new record, but I can’t stress strongly enough how the demand—the critical need—for medications far outpaces our resources,” he said.

“We will continue to work with our pharmaceutical partners to secure even more medications and medical supplies in the coming year. We have to keep in mind that no matter the economic challenges we face here in the United States, the healthcare needs throughout the developing world go unchanged,” Galbraith said.

In speaking about the US economy, Galbraith noted that the increase in pharmaceutical donations results in the necessity to grow revenue to cover shipping costs around the world. “Transportation costs have had a direct impact on what we spend in getting these meds to the people who need them most. For every increase in donated medications we receive, we also have to source funding to cover the shipping costs,” he noted.

“We will continue to work with individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the shipping costs for these lifesaving medications. We are bound by our mission, our vision, and our determination to continue serving some of the world’s most in-need individuals,” Galbraith said. “Working with our partners, I have every confidence that we will do just that,” he concluded.

In addition to pharmaceutical distribution, CMMB also places volunteer medical professionals in rural healthcare facilities around the world. There are currently 100 CMMB volunteers on long-term assignment in developing nations. In addition to its headquarters and distribution facility in New York, CMMB has offices in Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Haiti, Honduras, and India. The organization develops and operates sustainable healthcare programs, especially for children and women, in each of these countries.

Founded in 1928, CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) is the United States’ leading faith-based charitable organization focused exclusively on global healthcare. CMMB represents an unmatched capability by combining its on-the-ground programs, medical volunteers, and medical donations efforts in an integrated way. Since no other global healthcare organization can deliver all these capabilities simultaneously, CMMB enjoys a unique position of leadership in helping the sick, poor and disadvantaged. CMMB services are provided with respect and compassion for all human beings, without discrimination. CMMB collaborates with partners to support healthcare projects in resource-poor countries that address HIV and AIDS, child health and neglected diseases. For more information about CMMB, visit www.cmmb.org.