The world is experiencing an unprecedented level of humanitarian need. In 2018, a staggering one hundred and thirty-five million people were in need of humanitarian assistance - that's four people every second (State of the Humanitarian System Report, 2018). Emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks and conflict can hit at any time and they're increasingly more frequent, complex and severe.

The UN is recording a climate crisis disaster every week. In 2018 alone, one hundred disease outbreaks were declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Long wars and failed states have led to protracted crises and the displacement of people and children from their homes, often being forced to live in camps. The people affected are often the worlds poorest and most vulnerable and the health problems they experience following an emergency are long-lasting.

We believe that they deserve the highest quality emergency healthcare. Yet there is a global shortage of healthcare workers able to provide that care (WHO). We train experienced doctors, nurses, paramedics, midwives and other health professionals to respond to emergencies around the world and work with local emergency teams to build their resilience to future threats. When disasters hit, we believe in a world prepared to help.

What we do

Prepare

We provide technical expertise to limit the effect of disease outbreaks and disasters. Alongside the WHO and country Ministries of Health we have been working in Cambodia, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Burkina Faso to help those countries brace for outbreaks of COVID-19. When Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, we helped the WHO coordinate and plan the health response vaccinating over a million people against cholera.

Train

We train front line health care workers to respond to health emergencies, addressing the global shortage of trained health care workers. We are working with partners to train the next generation of humanitarian health care workers, both in the UK and in countries at high risk, or suffering the legacy of outbreaks, conflict or disasters. For instance, we are working in partnership with Save the Children to provide ongoing maternal health training in South Sudan, which after years of civil war has some of the worst health outcomes for mothers and their children in the world.

Respond

When local health care teams are overwhelmed, our emergency medical teams can be on the ground providing life-saving care. When a deadly measles outbreak swept through Samoa in late 2019 killing over 80 young children, our two UK teams helped Samoan health care colleagues care for over 500 critically ill children so they could return home to their families.

Influence

We work with academic bodies to apply research to health care and humanitarian response policy, and to support clearer career pathways for humanitarian health workers. The increased prevalence and severity of disasters means this research is in a constant state of change and more vital than ever before.

In order to help the growing number of people caught up in natural disasters, disease outbreaks and conflict, UK-Med must grow and respond more often. To do this, we need a number of things but in the main, more people and more funds.

Taking part in a fundraising event is a great way to get your families, friends and colleagues on board with UK-Med. By collecting sponsorship donations, you are spreading the word about UK-Med and informing your loved ones of the vital work you do here.

Thank you for building a world prepared to help.