Islamic Relief USA Becomes Member of Washington Global Health Alliance

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a relief and development organization based in the D.C. metro area has become a member of the Washington Global Health Alliance WGHA, an organization which supports and advocates for Washington state's global health community bringing together experts in research, education, and training.

Formed in 2007 with initial funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WGHA connects participants in one of the world's most dynamic centers for global health innovation.  WGHA facilitates opportunities for member institutions to partner for research, program and economic development collaborations. In addition, it engage, educate, and inspire the general public about global health while increasing awareness of Washington state global health institutions, and impact with key influential audiences.

Islamic Relief provides humanitarian aid that often includes emergency health care and distribution of clean water to prevent illness. In cases of emergency, IRUSA stays to implement long-term development projects, such as rebuilding destroyed water and sanitation facilities, or constructing new facilities for populations lacking them. Projects like these reduce illness rates and save lives. Among IRUSA's health projects are: Malaria project in Mali, Emergency Health Care Project in Niger, Punjab Integrated Rehabilitation Program in Pakistan, Dialysis Unit at Abu Al Qasem Hospital in Palestine, and Al Selo Water and Health Project in Yemen.

 "We are honored to be invited to the membership of Washington Global Health Alliance," said Dr. Abed Ayoub, IRUSA's CEO. "We look forward to enriching the experience of this important alliance and learning from the experience of our partners."

Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. In 2011, Islamic Relief USA helped more than 5 million people in 34 countries, including the United States. In addition to its 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Islamic Relief USA is listed on the U.S. government's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

CONTACT: Asma Yousef, 703.582.5880, [email protected]

SOURCE Islamic Relief USA