Silver Spring, Maryland-This week, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) established an office in Baghdad, Iraq.

"With an office within Iraq, ADRA will be better able to initiate and implement programs to continue meeting the immediate needs of the Iraqi people," stated Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International.

Thomas Benton, appointed as country director for ADRA Iraq, is expected to arrive in July. Benton worked for ADRA in Albania during the Kosovo refugee crises and brings experience in training and development of staff, as well as marketing, financial management, and planning.

Dr. Sharon Pittman, ADRA liaison officer, is currently in Baghdad setting up the office, meeting with partners, and providing support for other ADRA country office field visits.

With funding from ADRA New Zealand and ADRA International, ADRA Turkey has already implemented emergency relief projects in Iraq. Another project by ADRA Spain is currently underway. A number of ADRA country offices, including Germany, Denmark and others, are working on plans for future programs in Iraq. Projects will focus on health, medicine distribution, rehabilitation of educational facilities, community empowerment, and distribution of emergency supplies.

ADRA has been represented in Iraq through program assistance since 1995. In response to the recent conflict in Iraq, ADRA began its humanitarian response in northern Iraq, in partnership with a local NGO, by meeting the basic needs of 12,500 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP's). Food rations, water, medicines, medical care, and non-food items were provided. ADRA also holds special registrations in Jordan and Kuwait related to the Iraq crisis.

Donations to ADRA's work in Iraq can be made online at www.adra.org or by calling 1-800-424-ADRA (2372).

Providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity, ADRA is present in more than 120 countries.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org