EMMS International, Scotland’s oldest healthcare charity, today announced a £1.3 million donation to the Mulanje Mission Hospital in Malawi. The donation marks a decades-long partnership between the two organisations and comes as the charity’s Medical Director, Dr Arie Glas, visits Edinburgh.
During the last 10 years, the hospital has been supported by EMMS International in tackling tuberculosis, providing clean water and palliative care in rural areas, and reducing teenage pregnancies. The charity has also installed upgraded solar power, which was of great benefit during the nation-wide blackout of Cyclone Freddy.
Dr Arie and Dr Lisanne Glas spoke to the West Lothian congregation of Boghall Parish Church at a special event on the 25th September. Dr Arie Glas revealed: “Malawi is one of the most densely populated African nations, and its population is predicted to 42 million by 2050. Our youth team focuses on the vital prevention of teenage pregnancy, prevention of HIV/AIDS and the development of essential life skills among youth, working closely with local churches, schools and other supportive groups.”
The charity has also provided vital support for those living in poverty. The Mokwanira project has renovated 5 rural health centres, provided clean water and sanitation, and 4 ambulances, while a further £210,000 has been spent on palliative care. EMMS International’s CEO and Director of International Programmes, Dr. Cathy Ratcliff, said: “We are proud to have started palliative care in each of Malawi’s 28 districts, which has raised Malawi’s integration of palliative care to its health service to be on a par with the UK’s. Having quality care at or close to home stops families having to choose between healthcare for their loved ones and education for the next generation.”
The charity has also worked to support girls and teenage mothers, providing safe places for them to access health services and information on sexual health. During the past year, they have reached 6,044 vulnerable young people and sponsored 95 women through college and into healthcare careers.
Today, EMMS International celebrates its £1.3 million donation to the Mulanje Mission Hospital in Malawi, marking a decades-long partnership. The charity remains committed to improving access to healthcare for people living in poverty and works with a range of partners in Nepal, India and Scotland. Those who wish to support the charity’s work can make a donation here: https://www.emms.org/donate.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.