Since its inception, one priority has set International Medical Corps apart from other relief groups: its emphasis on capacity building.  Our worldwide humanitarian efforts are defined by the intense commitment to give disaster-stricken communities the strength and skills to meet their own primary health care needs.  We do this by making education and training an integral part of our programs, whether it is primary health care, HIV/AIDS and infectious disease, nutrition and agriculture, water and sanitation, or livelihoods and microfinance.  We also work closely with host government agencies and partner with local non-government organizations to strengthen the health care infrastructure at all levels.  Our focus on capacity building not only fosters self-reliance, but it also builds the kind of confidence, pride, and self-esteem essential for political stability and successful development.