Transforming healthcare globally
We have set up several international partnerships. This includes hospitals and medical centres in India, Ghana, and the Philippines.
Since 1999, we have partnered with the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). This is a major hospital serving around 11 million people in Northern Tanzania.
This long-standing collaboration is dedicated to:
- Advancing global health
- Building capacity
- Fostering shared learning experiences to benefit both organisations
Through this partnership, our staff can volunteer in Tanzania. They share their expertise and training with their counterparts. The aim is to enhance the quality of local medical services.
KCMC is renowned for its innovative healthcare initiatives. This makes it an ideal environment for collaborative projects and professional development.
Key achievements of this partnership include:
- Introducing laparoscopic surgery to KCMC. This is the first service of its kind in Tanzania.
- Establishing a specialist burns unit. This provides life-saving care to patients.
- Developing ultrasound services
- Improving antimicrobial stewardship
- Advancements in stoma care
The partnership is mutually enriching. Our staff who have taken part have gained experience of working with limited resources. They work in an environment with power outages, limited supplies, and cultural diversity. This fosters resilience, adaptability, and creativity.
These experiences support their personal and professional growth. They have boosted leadership skills. It has enhanced their ability to innovate in their roles back in the UK.
We remain committed to supporting our staff in international volunteering. We recognise the dual benefits of improving global health while fostering professional development.
Since 2000, our Bright Charity has managed this partnership. This ensures its sustainability and alignment with our values.
NHS staff and KCMC professionals lead projects together. They focus on sustainability, mutual learning, and patient-centred care.
We also work together on research to tackle pressing health challenges in the region. This has included:
- Studies on infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
- Strategies to fight antimicrobial resistance
In 2024, we celebrated 25 years of this remarkable partnership. We reflected on the commitment, collaboration, and shared vision of both organisations. Both organisations have strived for better health outcomes globally.
For more about our international partnerships, please contact Joanna McKee at Joanna.
