IMANA Medical Relief History

The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) was founded in 1967 as a professional organization and forum for Muslim healthcare professionals. From its inception, the founding members also envisioned a humanitarian relief mission for the organization. In its early years, IMANA focused on providing financial assistance to victims of natural disasters such as famines, earthquakes, typhoons, and floods, as well as to populations affected by armed conflicts. Through the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA), IMANA Medical Relief expanded its global reach and strengthened collaboration with member organizations. Over time, IMANA Medical Relief evolved from a primarily financial supporter into an active provider of hands-on medical relief services worldwide.

Over the past fifteen years, IMANA Medical Relief (IMR) has evolved into a globally recognized medical relief organization. It carries out humanitarian and medical relief efforts with a strong commitment to its slogan, “Making a Difference Around the World.”
IMR is managed by a committee of experienced professionals, many of whom are veterans of multiple international relief missions.

IMR’s large-scale relief work began following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Several volunteers deployed to the disaster zone, working in coordination with the United Nations and other organizations to provide medical assistance to affected populations. This was followed by a sustained response to the 2005 Pakistan earthquake. IMR later played key roles in relief efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2010 Pakistan floods. Among humanitarian organizations, these four disasters are often referred to as the “Mega 4,” and IMR was actively involved in response efforts for each.

These catastrophic events helped establish IMR’s long-term engagement in both immediate disaster response and ongoing healthcare support.

IMR funds a range of healthcare projects and deploys volunteer teams for medical and surgical missions in underserved regions worldwide, including medical clinics in Pakistan, cleft lip and palate surgical missions in Sudan, and humanitarian relief efforts for refugees in Bangladesh and Jordan. It also supports the operation of clinics, primary health centers, and specialized facilities in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, and Uganda. A complete overview of IMR’s relief work is available in its timeline.
IMR has received significant recognition for its work, including the Richard & Hinda Rosenthal Award from the American College of Physicians in 2016. Its efforts have also been acknowledged by organizations such as the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, USAID, the World Health Organization, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gates Foundation.
IMR leadership has participated in key international health summits, including:

World Health Organization (WHO) African Immunization and Vaccination Conference in Ethiopia
World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul
Gates Foundation Polio Eradication Summit in Dakar
International Muslim Health Communities Congress in Istanbul

IMR is also regularly invited to federal-level seminars, conferences, and workshops across the United States, as well as major Islamic conventions nationwide.