(PORTLAND, ORE. - April 22, 2008) The same rising food and fuel costs delivering an economic punch to U.S. households, are threatening the lives of the world's neediest families.

Spiking energy prices, widespread droughts and an increasing global food shortage are impacting impoverished communities in desperate need of aid, and the global relief agencies charged with providing help.

"Without food, the struggle to help children and their families maintain basic health is nearly impossible," says Dr. Wendy Dyment, emergency health specialist at Medical Teams International. Dyment, who recently returned from Darfur, Sudan, says food scarcity leads to increased malnutrition rates, adversely affects maternal health and undermines the body's ability to fight infection. All are conditions that Dyment saw in Sudan.

"The situation in Darfur continues to worsen," adds Dyment. "Malnutrition and disease coexist in a vicious cycle, with malnutrition causing increased susceptibility to illness.

"In turn, common illnesses such as diarrhea and malaria, lead to decreased appetite, further compromising a child's health. Even more children are dying this year than last, so urgent and expanded medical and nutritional assistance is needed immediately."

Keeping pace with the increased health demands and escalating operation costs is a challenge Medical Teams International knows firsthand. In the last 12 months, shipping and trucking fees for donated medical supplies have risen 40 percent.

The Portland-based agency—which dispatches more than 500 volunteers and $125 million in supplies during an average year—is facing a challenge to meet increased needs while weathering a U.S. downturn. In April 2007, the average cost to send a 40-foot container to the Democratic Republic of Congo was $9,600. That price tag is now $17,400.

"We can't let the rising prices stop us from delivering the care that is so desperately needed," offers Dyment. "Children are dying needlessly around the world. We have an obligation to help them, despite any challenges we may face along the way,"

Medical Teams International is a relief and development organization that sends medical volunteers and supplies to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty. In its 29-year history, Medical Teams International has deployed nearly 1,700 volunteer teams and shipped more than $1 billion in medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries.