Short-term medical missions (STTM) are estimated to involve 1.6 million volunteers and cost $2-3 billion annually for travel and medical supplies. Careful trip design, preparation, and management are required to ensure that STTMs engage local leadership, respect local culture, benefit patients, and responsibly use resources. ​

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The MSA participates in the Advocacy for Global Health Partnerships, a coalition of individuals bridging multiple sectors, countries, and disciplines and committed to improving the conduct and outcomes of short-term global health activities. AGHP's purpose is to ensure that short-term global health activities are carried out ethically and make beneficial contributions to health and wellbeing in communities around the world. 

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The Task Force Focus Area for Compassion and Ethics (FACE) exists to bring compassion and ethics to the center of global health work. We are committed to helping practitioners cultivate, harness, and channel compassionate and ethical action in day-to-day decision-making. We do this through convening and connecting, through consultation and education, and through research and pioneering our own initiatives.

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Suggested Resources:

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Trip planning guidelines and tools are available to ensure that short-term global health activities are conducted ethically and make beneficial contributions to the health and well-being of communities around the world.