Two UK-based organisations are set to launch a pioneering Funding Scheme aimed at strengthening partnerships, and linkages between UK health institutions and their counterparts in the developing countries. THET, a UK-based international health charity, and the British Council, the UK's international body for cultural relations, are launching the scheme supported by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Department of Health of UK.
The International Health Links Funding Scheme (IHLFS) is a three-year scheme that provides grants and support for Links with the assistance of three million pounds. The primary purpose of Links is to build the capacity of developing countries' health systems. Link activities can be very broad and include training and capacity-building for staff, providing practical skills, continuing professional development. This scheme will greatly contribute to the UK's commitment to international development.
The IHLFS will be divided into three levels including small grants of up to 3,000 pounds for 'brokering' or supporting the development of new and young Links; Medium grants of up to 15,000 pounds over one or two years; and Large grants of up to 60,000 pounds per year for three years. The grants will be given to Links that contribute to the achievement of priorities defined in the national health plans of target developing countries.
THET Chief Executive, Pia MacRae told newsmen that the scheme will not only support the development of new Links, but it will help to strengthen and expand the work of existing Links. "As we celebrate our twentieth anniversary, this is a great endorsement of our work over the years - providing Links with the opportunity to make even more of an impact."
Desmond Lauder, the British Council's Head of Contracts and Projects Delivery said that entering into a collaboration with THET was a pleasant experience which will in turn develop partnerships between the UK developing countries to address issues such as child and maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.