“It’s just awful. People are in just desperate need, begging as vehicles go past.”

- Gordon Bacon, IRC emergency coordinator in Myanmar, speaking with Reuters about the plight of Cyclone Nargis survivors.

“We didn’t reenter Iraq lightly. But we felt compelled given the further deteriorating humanitarian situation and lack of service providers.”

- Michael Kocher, IRC acting vice president of international programs, telling The Chronicle of Philanthropy about the IRC’s decision to restart programs in Iraq.

“I do this to soften the hearts in the community. I want them to know that being infected does not make you cursed or a monster.”

- Amuge Patricia, a member of a drama group based in Kotido district, Uganda, that performs plays and songs with HIV-related educational themes.

“Have you ever traveled to a place that couldn’t be farther from home, but where you felt an instant connection?  For me, that place is Liberia.”

- IRC communications officer Emily Holland in her first blog post from her second trip to Liberia