JIM-NET is a specified nonprofit corporation whose name is short for Japan Iraq Medical Network. Its website explains that since the 1991 Gulf War, the number of children with cancer and leukemia has risen in Iraq. Although childhood leukemia is curable in more than 80% of cases in Japan, some children in Iraq cannot receive adequate treatment, so NGOs engaged in medical support and doctors formed a network and began this work.
Its work rests on three pillars: support for childhood cancer in Iraq, refugee support, and Fukushima support. In Iraq, it helps children with cancer and leukemia receive medical care. In refugee support, it provides emergency assistance so that Syrian and Iraqi refugees can receive medical care. In Fukushima, it works to protect children from radiation through making radiation visible, health checkups and recuperation stays.
In Japan, it treasures the pictures drawn by Iraqi children and holds art exhibitions and "drawing workshops" connecting Iraq and Japan, and it also shares news from the field in various ways, including a chocolate fundraising campaign, sales of coffee and goods, and lecture series. The website continues to publish "Iraq Reports" on conditions on the ground.
Key points
- Medical support for children in Iraq who have cancer or leukemia
- Emergency support for Syrian and Iraqi refugees, and support for children in Fukushima through checkups and recuperation stays
- Many ways to take part from Japan, including art exhibitions, the chocolate fundraising campaign, coffee and lecture series
Why this organization deserves attention
Its distinguishing feature is a consistent commitment to delivering professional, continuous support to children who need medical care. It states its aims as efficient, specialized and continuous support, and describes a policy of continuing until people in Iraq can carry out treatment by themselves.
It is also appealing that it values children's drawings in its work and creates occasions for people in Iraq and Japan to meet through art exhibitions and workshops. The easy ways to take part, such as the chocolate fundraising campaign or buying coffee, can serve as a first step.
Editor's comment
Standing in front of pictures drawn by children in far-away Iraq, I feel how medical support connects to each child's life and daily living. JIM-NET's work shows an entry point for joining international cooperation from close to home.
The official website introduces events and support reports from time to time. Why not start by looking at the children's pictures?