Since its inception in 1984, AMDA
has made earnest efforts in pursuing and achieving its aim
to contribute to global peace through the improvement of human
health and well-being. However, contrary to our hopes, many
of our fellow citizens of the world are still struggling with
the misfortunes of disease, poverty, and human oppression.
The recent devastating effects of global climate change seem
to accelerate this trend. Disaster regardless of its cause can present a host of predicaments that would
lead to famine, outbreak of diseases, greater border tensions, and other confrontations
of global scale. This is the security issue affecting the whole world community.
AMDA, Association of Medical Doctors of Asia, with its experiences
in humanitarian relief efforts over the past few decades, is
determined more than ever to play a pivotal role in coping
with this predicament of today.
In accordance with its founding spirit of Sogo-Fujo, AMDA
has responded to the calls of help from disaster areas around
the world. Whether it is the floods in Bolivia, the earthquake
in Niigata of Japan, the massive tsunami of the Indian Ocean,
AMDA has been always on the frontline of disasters healing
and saving lives of our fellow world citizens. Unlike governmental
organizations, AMDA as an NGO maintains a complete independency
and is not affected by political, religious or ethnical considerations. AMDA acts on its own judgment guided by the spirit of "Sogo-Fujo". Assessment based on local need and local initiative regardless
of media attention or interests of certain groups has been
and will be the key factor determining AMDA's policies and
activities. Utilizing this special mobility that comes from
being an NGO; sharing a unified mission and vision among
our international chapters and collaborating organizations
in 29 countries around the world and most importantly being
bound by the spirit of "Sogo-Fujo"--- AMDA can
play a very special and effective role in the global efforts
against disasters and human sufferings ultimately paving
the road toward world peace.
Shigeru Suganami, M.D., Ph.D.
President, AMDA Group