There are many worthwhile efforts that seek to address health and related problems.

"WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends."

"At its root, our mission is both medical and moral. It is based on solidarity, rather than charity alone. When a person in Peru, or Siberia, or rural Haiti falls ill, PIH uses all of the means at our disposal to make them well—from pressuring drug manufacturers, to lobbying policy makers, to providing medical care and social services. Whatever it takes. Just as we would do if a member of our own family—or we ourselves—were ill."

"Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe."

"Our work begins with Bill and Melinda Gates’ belief that all lives have equal value. We think all people deserve the chance to have healthy, productive lives. Our approach to giving is driven by the foundation’s guiding principles."

"The Medical Mission Hall of Fame Foundation honors individuals for their noble humanitarian efforts by annual public awards ceremonies. It is hoped that the commendable efforts of those who serve can act as an inspiration to others to actively participate in or support medical mission work activities and programs."

Over four decades, surgeon Glenn Geelhoed has taken medical volunteers to the poorest parts of the globe to treat patients and train local health care workers. Those who serve find that they also learn – lessons in human resilience that Geelhoed calls “gifts from the poor.”