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Humanitarian Health Fund
23/10/2007
Almost £50,000 has been awarded to 13 projects to deliver healthcare support in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Announcing the latest grants under the third round of the Humanitarian Health Fund, Minister for Europe and External Affairs Linda Fabiani said:
"I am glad to support these 13 worthwhile initiatives as they deliver much needed healthcare support in countries around the world.
"Scotland's talented healthcare professionals have so much to offer - and these small grants will enable them to work with colleagues in other countries which face serious health care challenges.
"This will lead to real benefits for the people in need of healthcare in these developing countries as well as good learning opportunities for the healthcare professionals involved."
Examples of projects from the third round of the Humanitarian Health Fund are:
- Prof Frank Carey, Consultant Pathologist at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, and Chair of the Scottish Pathology Network, and a team of pathologists from across Scotland, will continue the work they commenced last year with the pathology service in Malawi to increase pathology services which are essential in the diagnosis of cancers in Malawi. This present funding will allow them to train junior staff in pathology and provide practical support to the national diagnostic service
- Dr Leonie Boeing, Consultant Psychiatrist in West Lothian and a team of medical and nursing mental health specialists from across Scotland will continue to work with the Chief (and only) Psychiatrist in Malawi, to support the training of health staff in essential psychiatry. Their work is highly regarded in Malawi and by the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists. Scotland has particular excellence in mental health services. Global health campaigns call for better support for mental health in developing countries - recognised as a major neglected area that has substantial negative economic impact
- Dr Bennett, Ophthalmologist from NHS Lothian with a team of nursing eye specialists will re-visit Nekemte in Ethiopia, a rural town 300km west of Addis Ababa, to perform cataract surgery. This builds upon the link developed between Scotland and Ethiopia Eye Care with the Amhara Development Association, facilitated through the University of Addis Ababa
These grants are awarded for work that:
- Supports the efforts of Scottish-based healthcare professionals undertaking short term humanitarian work
- Is based in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Draws on the expertise of individuals or organisations based in Scotland who are skilled in planning or delivering health services and social care
The grants can cover travel and accommodation costs; equipment (but only where its acquisition enhances the ability of the volunteers to deliver their expertise more effectively), and expenses associated with in-country service and training provision. The maximum grant is £5,000 - there is no minimum award.
This is the third round of £50,000 from the initial commitment of £50,000 per year for three years.
Two previous rounds of the Fund have supported 24 projects.