Foundations

Many of AMREF Canada's projects are supported by the generosity of Candian and international foundations, including;

60 Million Girls is a public foundation established in February 2006 by Wanda Bedard and a group of talented, creative and energetic women who strongly believe in the need to support education for girls in order to create a more just and balanced world. They support phase II of AMREF's Atanga Girls Education program.

Addax Petroleum Foundation focuses on supporting education, health, community development and environmental programs in Africa and the Middle East. They support AMREF Canada’s program Fighting Malaria in Afar, Ethiopia.

Athletes for Africa partners with existing locally led African organizations whose programming is already delivering sustainable and empowering programs for youth. Since 2005, Athletes for Africa has supported AMREF’s programs in Uganda and since 2008 Southern Sudan. 

Canadian Society for International Health is a national non-governmental organization that works domestically and internationally to reduce global health inequities and strengthen health systems. CSIH has supports AMREF’s Counseling HIV Discordant Couples in Tanzania. 

CAW Social Justice Fund was founded in 1990 and provides solidarity assistance to non-profit and humanitarian projects within Canada and around the world.  The Fund has supported AMREF Canada’s work Supporting HIV/AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children in northern Uganda.  

GlaxoSmithKline Foundation was established in Canada in 1989.  The Foundation supports and works with many organizations, primarily in the areas of health care and health promotion, science education, hospice palliative care, and patient advocacy.  They have worked closely with AMREF supporting the Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Education (PHASE) program.

Harrison McCain Foundation is the philanthropic arm of McCain Foods Limited, and was established to assist Canadian charitable organizations. The foundation has supported AMREF Canada’s work Fighting Malaria in Afar, Ethiopia and providing life saving immunizations across East Africa.

John C. Nixon Memorial Fund was established in 2006 in memory of long time AMREF supporter Dr. John C. Nixon. Each year, the fund supports lab technicians from remote regions in East Africa attend AMREF’s Refresher Course in Laboratory Services.   

K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation was established in 1985 to support social services, conservation, cultural initiatives, medical research and international development.  The Foundation supports AMREF Canada’s program Reducing Young People’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in Nakasongola, northern Uganda. 

Lundin for Africa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Lundin Group of Companies. They have supported AMREF Canada since 2008, funding the Water for Life program in South Omo Ethiopia and the Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Education (PHASE) program in Nakasongola Uganda. 

M•A•C AIDS Fund was established in 1994 by M•A•C Cosmetics. The Fund supports men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. M•A•C AIDS supports AMREF’s program working with Traditional Healers to better manage HIV/AIDS, TB and STIs.

The McLean Foundation was established in 1945 by the late Mr. J. S. McLean to support Canadian charities. The Foundation has supported AMREF’s  Luwero AIDS Orphans Project in 2002, the Extended Immunization Programme in 2004 and the Nakasongola Youth HIV/AIDS Project in 2007 – all of which are located in Uganda.

OSSTF, (Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation) International Assistance Program provides funds to support international education and women’s rights programs around the world.  The OSSTG program supports AMREF Canada’s Kitgum Girls Education program. 

The Stephen Lewis Foundation supports community-based organizations that are turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Since 2007 the foundation has supported AMREF Canada’s program assisting orphans and other vulnerable children in Uganda. 

World Heritage Foundation was founded in 1998 to develop documentary materials (films, books, artistic photographs, magazine articles and Internet-oriented material) that will bring to life the incredible panorama of World Heritage Sites around the world. The Foundation is currently supporting AMREF’s Atanga Girls Education program.

 Learn more about AMREF Canada’s partners;

African Communities
African Policy Makers
Become a Partner
Government
Academic and Research Institutions 

Results Canada’s Sabina Saini recently travelled to Ethiopia with three Canaidan MPs and saw first hand how sanitation and clean water have transformed communities in one of Addis Ababa’s poorest  neighbourhoods. 

By: Sabina Saini
March 15, 2010 

Recently RESULTS Canada, a Canadian advocacy organization I work for, was on a trip with Canadian Members of Parliament. The MPs wanted to see cost-effective life saving solutions towards poverty alleviation in Ethiopia.  

In Canada, RESULTS and AMREF have partnered to work together on different projects, so on the final day of the trip we hooked up with AMREF Ethiopia to view their sanitation and hygiene promotion project in the Kechene slum of Addis Ababa.

Sanitation and hygiene promotion are near and dear to my heart.  My family hails from northern India, a country where the sanitation crisis is at it's peak.  Out of the astounding 2.5 billion people in the world who do not have access to basic sanitation, 665 million of them live in India.  Over 500,000 children die each year due to dehydration from diarrhea.  These numbers are staggering and completely unacceptable.  Diarrhea is easily treated and prevented through basic sanitation and hygiene.

Community Partnership key to Success

The day of our visit, we were warmly greeted in the lobby of our hotel by AMREF’s friendly staff.  Dr. Joao Soares, and his team lead us out to the Kechene project.  Immediately I had a feeling we were going to see something truly remarkable.  True to word, Dr. Soares took us to the Yellow compound where we saw sanitation kiosks that AMREF had constructed for the community.  

All in all, there are 19 kiosks of sanitation facilities (one kiosk consists of: a washroom, showers, water taps for water collection, washing compartments and a water reservoir).  Once constructed, AMREF works in partnership with the community to sustain the facilities while promoting community mobilization and hygiene education.  When the project comes to end AMREF will hand it over to the community who will take ownership of it.  

We viewed two different sanitation kiosks and water points.  It was a truly amazing experience.  The amount of pride people show for their latrines and water tanks was amazing.

In fact, the sanitation kiosks have been so successful that when water pipes fail to deliver much needed water to people in Kechene or in different parts of Addis, people benefitting from AMREF’s project continue to have water without interruption.  

Departing with Hope

There is actually a grassroots movement starting to take place among other community groups.  People have seen how successful this project is and they are putting pressure on the local government to institute the project in their communities as well.   But perhaps what was the most remarkable part of the visit was that the incidence of diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea, the two biggest killers of children in the world, had decreased significantly since the project began.

As an advocate for global access to basic sanitation and hygiene promotion, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

Everything that I have been advocating for was in fact saving and leading to healthier lives.  I had always known the statistics on the life-saving impact sanitation and hygiene promotion can have, but now I was able to witness it, first hand and meet the beautiful people who were ensuring that members of their community followed these important practices.    

I will forever be grateful to AMREF and the wonderful team that we met.  Their dedication to their work and to helping people live healthier lives was amazing.  After this experience I knew I was leaving Ethiopia not with a sense of despair but with a sense of hope that I will carry with me always. 

Back to Field Diaries main page

At AMREF we want you to know how generous Canadians – like you - are saving lives by empowering people towards better health care in Africa.

Through these field diaries from AMREF’s good will ambassadors, staff and volunteers you get a glimpse into the communities and meet the people AMREF works with on the ground in Africa.

Take pride in the accomplishments you have helped AMREF achieve and share these stories with your fiends and family.

Ethiopia

Toilots and Clean Water Transform Community Health
By: Sabina Saini

AMREF in Action in Remote South Omo
By: Melissa Jennings

From Addis to Afar - Epidemic Unveils Health Challenges
By: Amanda Moore 

Bringing Health Care Closer to Home
Felicia Chang

When the Well is Dry, We Learn the Worth of Water
Felicia Chang

South Africa

Dining with Traditional Healers
Jennifer Page

Uganda

Rebuilding Lives and Health Care after 21 years of Civil War
Measha Brueggergosman, Opera singer and AMREF Canada's Goodwill Ambassador

Visiting the most “Real” Place on Earth
Beth Colle

Bridges on the Road to Life – AMREF’s Groundbreaking Work with Commercial Sex Workers
Salima Pirani

Returning to Uganda with a Video Camera in Tow
Namugenyi Kiwanuka

Learn more about AMREF Canada;

Annual Reports
Habari Newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions
Online Resource Centre 

14th Annual African Markeplace Gala

Once a year AMREF hosts an incredible night called the African Marketplace Gala. It’s an event like no other, where we celebrate the best Africa has to offer while supporting AMREF’s work improving health in Africa.

This year’s gala will focus on maternal and child health and will take place two days before Mother’s Day in Toronto.

The night will feature traditional music, authentic African cuisine and a vibrant marketplace.

Click here to find out more about supporting this great event.

When: May 6th 2010
Where: Polson Pier, 11 Polson St, Toronto

Mark your calendars today and stay tuned for exciting announcements about this year's event!

For more information contact Liz Doyle at info@amrefcanada.org or call 416-961-6981.

View pictures from last year's event here. 

Asante Sana to our Sponsers! 

Silver

Bronze







   
       

Copper

CIBC Team Squires
IAMGOLD
Mackenzie Financial
Major Drilling Corporation
Marsh
SNC-Lavalin
Stonegate Private Counsel 

AMREF Canada's E-News

 Check out AMREF Canada's monthly electronic newsletter to get an inside glimpse into our  life-saving work in Africa.

2010

Celebrate Mothers on International Women's Day
New Partnership with EcoWater Canada!
Great Music and Hot Auction Items at Marketplace Gala
March 2010 

SAVE THE DATE: 2010 African Marketplace Announced
Ganze Girls Education Project
Maternal Mortality: Why It's a Crisis
February 2010 

Spotlight on Women and Newborns in 2010
Worst Health Inequality in the World: Mothers & Newborns
New Class of Midwives Graduate in Southern Sudan
January 2010

2009

Get Creative Name our E-News and Win!
World AIDS Day 2009 - Universal Access and Human Rights
New AMREF Video - Minimizing the Impact of HIV in Uganda
December 2009

Get Up Close to AMREF's Work in Africa 
AMREF's E-Nurses Shine Again
Watch the Flying Doctors in Action
November 2009

World Famous Pianist Joining Measha on Stage
AMREF's Groundbreaking Work in the Toronto Star
Visit an AMREF Clinic in Southern Sudan
October 2009

Saving Lives: Mutinid's Story
Call for Volunteers at An Evening with Measha
Inside Perspective: Epidemic Unveils Ethiopia's Health Challenges
September 2009

Tickets on Sale Now - An Evening with Measha Brueggergosman 
Entertain Your Group in Classic Style
Watch Measha in Action
August 2009

Just Announced! An Evening with Measha Brueggergosman in Support of AMREF Canada 
Inside Perspecitive: Life in an Ugandan IDP Camp
Good News from Africa: Health is Improving
July 2009

AMREF's Innovative Training Transforms Health
Letter From Uganda: Lab Technician Charles Thanks You!
Finding eSoluntions to African's Health Crisis 
June 2009

Think of Mothers Every Day this May
Success! Training Midwives in Southern Sudan
AMREF's African Marketplace Gala One Week Away!
May 2009

April 2009

Improving Health for Women
AMREF's Surgical Outreach Program in the New York Times
Maternal and Child Health Focus get Stronger
March 2009

Orphaned Children Report Better Health
Surgical Outreach Brings Healthcare Closer to Home
War Dance to Open Reel Politik Film Festival
February 2009

Exciting Changes in 2009
Ending Death During Birth in Southern Sudan
AMREF Canada in Recruiting
January 2009 

AMREF Canada is thrilled to announce a new partnership with EcoWater Canada!

In celebration of World Water Day on March 22nd, EcoWater Canada will donate a portion of all sales in the month of March to support AMREF’s life saving water and sanitation programs.

To kick off the campaign EcoWater has introduced EcoRilla, a new community spokesperson to explain the importance of conserving and saving water.

EcoRilla is even featured in his own comic book!

Click here to meet EcoRilla and learn about the importance of conserving water in Canada and around the world. Learn more about EcoWater's World Water Day initiative here.

   World Water Day

Designated by the United Nations in 1992, World Water Day is an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the more than 1 billion people worldwide that lack access to clean and safe water sources.

UN-Water has chosen Clean Water for a Healthy World as the theme for World Water Day 2010.

AMREF’s Work Fighting Water-borne Diseases

In sub-Saharan Africa, 2 in 5 people lack safe water.

A baby in sub-Saharan Africa is almost 520 times more likely to die from diarrhea than a baby born in Europe or North America.

Together with communities and district health councils, AMREF is improving water and sanitation in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Southern Sudan and South Africa.

For example, in Kibera, Kenya, local residents have installed latrines, bathrooms and water tanks with the support of AMREF. Clean-up campaigns have cleared drains and reduced refuse problems. We have set up school-based ‘wash clubs’, teaching children about hygiene and encouraging them to take the message home. Results show improvement – cases of diarrhea and intestinal worms have dropped by about 70% in target schools.

Learn more about AMREF’s water and sanitation programs here.

EcoWater Canada

An Industry leader since 1925, EcoWater Systems is the world’s largest manufacturer of residential water treatment systems. EcoWater has consistently offered its customers innovative, state-of-the-art technology, quality products and excellent post-installation services.

EcoWater Canada is leading the way in “green” water purification. It s the first water treatment company to receive the zerofootprint Certificate of Compliance for water treatment products. EcoWater Canada has also created a first of its kind recycling program, specifically designed for used Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration cartridges.

(February 8, 2010) AMREF would like to commend Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent announcement that decreasing maternal and child mortality rates will be a top priority in the upcoming G8 meetings in Canada this June.

“Maternal mortality is the most drastic health inequality in the world today,” says Dr. John Nduba AMREF’s Director of Reproductive and Child Health. “We hope the Prime Minister’s recent announcement will translate into saving mothers and children from unnecessary death.”

Every year 280,000 mothers in Sub-Saharan Africa die unnecessarily for want of simple, affordable medical care.

A woman in Africa has a one in sixteen chance of dying in childbirth compared to a woman in Canada who has a one in thirty thousand chance.

But research shows access to trained midwives with equipped health centres nearby will save 80% of mothers at risk.

“What women in the developed world take for granted - skilled midwives, an operating room if necessary and antibiotics – these apparently basic things are regarded as great luxury in Africa,” says Dr. Nduba.

AMREF is optimistic that the Canadian government will mobilize other G8 governments to improve maternal and child health by supporting initiatives training health workers across Africa.

Read Prime Minister Harper’s entire statement ‘G8 Agenda: Focus on Human Welfare.’

For more information contact:

Melanie Sharpe
Communications Coordinator
AMREF Canada
(416) 961-6981
msharpe@amrefcanada.org

AMREF’s Work Saving Mothers and Newborns

AMREF is Africa’s most experienced and respected health development organization in the world. Founded in East Africa in 1957, AMREF is the only organization in Africa that has trained health workers for over fifty years.

In the last ten years AMREF has trained over 20,000 midwives in Sub-Saharan Africa. An AMREF trained midwife increases the chance of a mother surviving childbirth by six times.

Find out more about AMREF’s work saving mothers and newborns.

AMREF works in partnership with government and health departments and other NGOs, our impact is long-lasting and cost-effective.

To help reduce maternal deaths please donate today.

JUST ANNOUNCED! An Evening with Measha Brueggergosman in Support of AMREF Canada
June 11, 2009

Canada's most beloved soprano Measha Brueggergosman is taking the stage to perform specially selected works in support of AMREF this all. Read more. 

eLearning for Africa: AMREF Shares Critical Lessons 
June 2, 2009

AMREF recently showcased its innovative eSolutions to health care training at an international eLearning conference in Dakar Senegal. Read more. 

AMREF's 2009 African Marketplace a Success! 
May 29, 2009

This year AMREF Canada's African Marketplace Gala was a true success! Read more and view photos from the event. Read more. 

Global Recession: A Death Sentence in Africa
January 29, 2009 

AMREF would like to urge world leaders not to forget about the devastating impact the financial crisis in having on people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Read more. 

  Ganze Girls Education

In Kenya’s Kaloleni district nearly 80% of girls drop out of high school. This is double the drop out rate of boys from the same district.

Similar to neighboring countries in East Africa Kenyan girls face numerous barriers that lead to high drop out rates. 

Girls feel the burden of HIV/AIDS most severely - when a family member falls sick girls are the sole-caregivers. They also face early marriage, high teenage pregnancy rates and rampant child labour because of poverty.  

Many Kenyan schools lack basic infrastructure such as girl-friendly sanitation facilities. Classrooms are dilapidated and dormitories are overcrowded.  

For example, at Kaloleni district’s Ganze Girls School there are 305 students but room for only 150 in the school dorms – leaving 155 students commuting 20 – 30 kilometers everyday.

Student meals are prepared under a tree because there is no kitchen or dining space. There is also no library or science lab.

Access to water and sanitation facilities at Ganze Girls School is also difficult.
There are only 6 toilets and no bathing facilities. The only water source is unreliable and untreated which leaves the students vulnerable to serious water-borne diseases. 

Education Brings Better Health

The connection between girls education and improved community health is undeniable.

When girls graduate from high school child mortality, fertility and malnutrition rates are all reduced. There are fewer early marriages and HIV infections. 

Education also promotes peace, social development and equity – it is an integral part of empowering people out of poverty and towards healthier lives. 

AMREF is 

Working in partnership with the community and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association to improve infrastructure and achieve better health. 

Specific activities include;

• Building 4 classrooms,  a library, a science lab, a dining hall and kitchen, 2 dormitories, 2 toilets blocks (with 5 stalls each) and washing facilities  and 3 water storage tanks

AMREF will also provide training and education to students on; malaria prevention, sexual reproductive health, and personal hygiene and sanitation. 

The project will limit absenteeism, improve girls’ health and enable them to reach their full potential as students and community leaders.

Major Project Funders:
Ganze Girls’ Education is a project supported by the generosity of AG Hair Cosmetics' CEOs  John and Lotte Davis. Find out more about other SCHOOL:girls initiatives here.

Find out more about AMREF's work in;

Ethiopia
South Africa
Southern Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda

Events

People across Canada are getting involved by organizing and participating in AMREF's events. Please join them and help change the face of Africa, one community at a time.

You can also organize your own event in support of AMREF Canada. Click here to learn how! 

Upcoming Events

2010 African Marketplace Gala
May 6, 2010.
Polson Pier Toronto


AMREF Canada is pleased to announce the 14th Annual African Marketplace Gala will take place on May 6, 2010 in Toronto at Polson Find out more!

View pictures from last year's gala  and stay tuned for more details soon! 

Better Health for Africa
Photo Exhibit 

Better Health for Africa is a

 visually stunning photo exhibit that provides an inside glimpse into AMREF's life-saving work. 

The 20 photos take by various photographers from around the world will be touring the Edmonton area from December 2009 - February 2010.

Find out more here.  

Ugandan Cultural Festival 

On Saturday November 28, 2009 join AMREF Canada at the Ugandan Cultural Festival.

The event will feature guest speakers, Ugandan delicacies, a silent auction and raffle prizes.

Academy-award nominated documentary film War/Dance will be screened at 1:00pm.

What: Ugandan Cultural Festival
Where: Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue Toronto (St. George Station)
 

An Evening with Measha Brueggergosman 
In Support of AMREF Canada 

On Saturday, October 17th, Canada's most beloved soprano, Measha Brueggergosman will take the stage to perform specially-selected works in support of AMREF. 

Find out more information here! 

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please contact AMREF Canada at 416-961-6981 or by email at info@amrefcanada.org. 

AMREF Canada participated in IDP Awareness Day in Toronto recently. 

Find out more information on IDP Day, and view AMREF's slideshow Life in a Northern Ugandan IDP Camp. 

2009 African Marketplace Gala 
May 14, 2009. 

The annual event brought Africa to life in Toronto this year! 

The 2009 Marketplace featured African sights and sounds including captivating music, delicious cuisine and auction prizes.

View photos from the 2009 Marketplace Gala!

Learn more about getting involved in AMREF's Work:

At School
Become a Partner
Events
Merchandise
Speak Out
Volunteer 
Careers

Kenya

Kenya’s population of 35 million people has placed a tremendous strain on the health system, already suffering from soaring AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria rates.

AMREF works with a diverse range of Kenyan communities including urban slum settlements in Nairobi, remote rural areas in the north-east and south, lake regions in the west and coastal communities in the east.

Kenya’s Major Health Challenges

Kenya is currently facing a health crisis. A rapidly increasing population, an under funded health sector, and countrywide shortages of skilled health workers means that mortality rates in Kenya remain high and continue to rise – particularly among women and children in disadvantaged communities.

The public health service is often beyond the reach of those living in remote rural areas or urban slums. The community health facilities are often under-resourced and staffed by few, inadequately trained and overworked health workers.

Effective health care is hindered by mismanagement, low staff morale, and a disconnect between the community needs and health services available.

Most doctors in Kenya gravitate towards cities with large hospitals. Many are abandoning public practice to work in private clinics and many others are leaving Kenya to work overseas. As a result, community health centres in remote locations suffer an acute shortage of trained professionals.

AIDS is the leading cause of lost productivity in Kenya. About 5.9 per cent of the population or 1.2 million people in Kenya are currently infected with HIV.

AMREF is:

Helping youth in urban slums, especially girls, to improve their health, escape from poverty and improve their academic opportunities.

Supporting Laboratory medicine across East Africa by setting up new labs, providing technical expertise and developing training courses

Awarding rural health professionals with scholarships to upgrade their skills and improve community health. 

Empowering Girils toward better health through the Ganze Girls Education Project.

Kenya Faces Starvation due to Drought: UN

By: CBC

A prolonged drought has put millions of people on the brink of starvation in Kenya and the surrounding region, the United Nations cautioned. Read more. 

 August 17, 2009

A Woman’s Crusade

By: Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
New York Times

The New York Times Magazine, special issue on women analyzes the brutality inflicted on millions of women and girls around the globe today, and what can be done to stop it. Read more.

 July 20, 2009.

Recession, broken promises posing health disaster: AIDS experts

By: Geoffrey York
The Globe and Mail

AIDS scientists are warning of a looming health catastrophe because of the global recession and the “criminal” silence of world leaders on their faltering HIV-AIDS promises. Read more. 

 July 3, 2009.

It's Time to Make Mothers a Priority

By: Sia Nyama Koroma, First Lady of Sierra Leone
The Huffington Post

The first Lady of Sierra Leone argues G8 leaders must implement strategies to stop the deaths of 1,500 women everyday from pregnancy or labour related complications at this year's summit in Italy. Read more. 

June 25, 2009. 
Africa Diary: And Now for Some Good News

By: Geoffrey York
The Globe and Mail  

Geoffrey York highlights dramatic improvements in health and education across Africa.  Read more. 

May 22, 2009. 
Giving Peace a Chance in South Omo

IRIN

How education and better resources are leading to peace in Ethiopia's remote South Omo region. Read more. 

May 22, 2009.
Female Truckers in South Africa Brave the Night Shift

By: David Smith
The Guardian

With HIV/AIDS taking its toll on male drivers, firms look to women to bring stability. Read more. 

May 5, 2009
Is a change of attitude needed to reduce death in childbirth?  

By: Annie Kelly  
The Guardian 

A new report highlights the urgent need for governments to make long-term commitments to finance and support national health systems in developing countries to reduce the number of women dying in childbirth. Read more. 

By: Geoffrey York
Globe and Mail
January 29, 2010

The villagers hoisted the pregnant woman onto their shoulders, carrying her in a crude stretcher made from a blanket and two sticks, and began trudging down the path to the nearest town.

The woman, 24-year-old Setew Tilahun, had gone into labour the night before. But the baby was twisted around inside her and could not come out. Nobody in her remote Ethiopian village could help her. And so her arduous journey began.

When the villagers finally reached the nearest town, late at night, after carrying her on their shoulders for six hours, the people at the health centre said they could do nothing for her. They found an ambulance and sent her on to the next town, a four-hour drive.

At 2 a.m., medical staff in the town of Fitche looked at her and said they couldn't help either. They put her back on the road again. At 4 a.m., she finally reached a hospital in the capital, Addis Ababa, where doctors found that her baby had died.

The mother, too, was barely alive, and needed emergency treatment to save her life. “She looked like a dead woman,” says her brother, Getachew Mesaye, a 27-year-old farmer. “She fainted and it took two hours to revive her.”

It was the kind of small human tragedy that happens every day, all over the world. Close to 550,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth every year – a rate of about one woman every minute – along with nearly 4 million infants who die within a month of birth. The grim statistics reflect one of the most stubbornly intractable and neglected crises in the world, which persists despite endless studies and debates and vague promises of help.

For women in Africa and Asia, the act of giving life – having a child – is one of the most dangerous risks they can take. Their chances of dying in childbirth can be more than 100 times greater than a Canadian or American woman would face.

This week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper became the latest in a string of politicians to pledge action. He promised that maternal and child health would be Canada's “top priority” at the G8 summit in June.

Read Geoffrey York’s entire article here. 

Find out how you can help AMREF save the lives of Mothers and Newborns. 

 Current Volunteer Opportunities

AMREF is always loooking for volunteers. Please see the descriptions and instructions on how to apply below. As always we are also looking for volunteers to help with office administration and event organization.

Graphic Designer Communications Material

Responsibilities: Design AMREF Canada’s communications materials 4 times a year, working with AMREF office staff to ensure that material is on-brand, fresh and vibrant.
Reports to: Communications Manager
Time Commitment: 10 hours in January, March, August and November

Join the AMREF team!

Download a volunteer form. Please note that to volunteer for AMREF Canada, you must reside within Canada. For other AMREF office locations around the world, please click here.

After downloading the application form, simply fill it in and submit it to us via e-mail, fax or mail:

AMREF Canada
489 College St. Suite 407
Toronto, ON M6G 1A5
Canada
info@AMREFCanada.org
Ph: 416-961-6981

Fax: 416-961-6984 

Learn more about getting involved in AMREF's work;

At School
Become a Partner
Events
Merchandise
Speak Out
Careers

AMREF in Action in Remote South Omo

Canadian Melissa Jennings recently worked with AMREF in Ethiopia. Read about her experiences

working to bring health care to remote communities in South Omo.  

By Melissa Jennings
January 19, 2010  

Anthropologically speaking 

The groups that occupy South Omo, the southern area of the SNNPR (Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region) are some of National Geographic’s favourite subjects; it’s not hard to see why with over 30 ornately decorated and fiercely independent ethnic groups coexisting on the same piece of land for centuries. Recently the Ethiopian government and some enterprising individuals have seen the market value of this anthropological and geographical jewel and have been ushering Ethiopian and foreign tourists into this otherwise guarded world. The going rate for foreign tourists to rent a Land Rover, equipment, hotel  and hired  guide is USD $800 per day  so for me to be able to accompany AMREF Ethiopia staff to the project office in South Omo was a truly incredible opportunity.

Journey to Jinka

It takes 2 full days by Land Rover to reach Jinka. This is partially because of the distance but mainly because of the road conditions. Our entire second day on the road is spent dodging collapsed bridges and careening along dried riverbeds, remnants of the last flood, at 40km/hr. 

The last Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jinka was in 2005, now only chartered planes rarely land on the airstrip which is now occupied by goats and a few hawkers.  Due to its isolation Jinka faces regular shortages of fuel, electricity and water. Phone service is sporadic and the price of accommodations and food is double that of the capital city Addis Ababa.

AMREF Office in Jinka

South of the city of Arba Minch AMREF is one of only three Non Governmental Organizations with permanent offices in the area. AMREF’s Jinka offices are staffed with people from the local area and Addis Ababa. They have a variety of backgrounds, including a doctor, and two nurses. This technical expertise means that AMREF Ethiopia has the  capacity to provide medical services including inoculations, consultations and training along with administrative and project work. 

With an estimated 1 doctor per 240,000 people in this deserted and hard to reach landscape, the South Omo government relies heavily on organizations like AMREF to train health workers to make house calls, build health posts, provide clean drinking water, immunize children and provide information on a range of topics from sexual and reproductive health to nutrition.

Challenges

As we are leaving Jinka, there is a phone call from the local government reporting the outbreak of Cholera, otherwise known by its less politically charged title Acute Watery Diarrhea. The official is asking AMREF Ethiopia for emergency assistance to contain the spread.  Unlike other areas of Ethiopia, South Omo’s main challenge is not necessarily poverty but isolation and gaining access to mobile pastoralist populations and to others farming  in locations that are only accessible by foot, takes great effort and planning.
  

A Ray of Opportunity

The climate in the region is also very diverse, with one area getting pummelled with rain while an area less than 50kms away writhes in drought. The most amazing opportunity presents itself as I consider the challenges: a meeting at the town teaching hospital. The meeting will include community representatives, government officials and AMREF staff. I look forward to participating and discussing the successes of the past year and the way forward.

Back to Field Diaries main page.

Find out what people are saying about AMREF.

I have always viewed it as a priviledge and unique opportunity to be able to visit these schools in remote areas where few westerners have ever ventured. Not only have I been overwhelmed each and every time by the enormity of African largesse and hospitality, but the energy and determination of the people who live and breath the dream of educating children with so little support and with so much hardship is more inspiring than anything I have ever experienced. 

Read about AG's School:Girls initiative in Atanga, northern Uganda

Lotte Davis
CEO and Co-Founder
AG Hair Cosmetics
January 10, 2010

“When I began looking more closely at AMREF I was struck by its excellent international support – such as we seen in this room today – and perhaps above all how it has focused year after year precisely on the job-at-hand. Its vision, its commanding mission statement couldn't be clearer – to achieve ‘Better Health for Africa’ and "to ensure access to good health for the most vulnerable and marginalized people in Africa".  

AMREF continues to this day to be so successful because of clear goals, and because it is so experienced in involving communities, liaising with other organizations, sharing it’s knowledge, showcasing successful projects, and by doing all this by helping governments to see both challenges and solutions more clearly.  All of this changes policies in ways that can save lives by the millions.”

- Brian Stewart, excerpt from keynote address at AMREF’s 2009 African Marketplace.

Mr. Stewart is one of CBC's most acclaimed foreign correspondents with extensive experience reporting across Africa.  Mr. Stewart was the keynote speaker at AMREF Canada’s 2009 African Marketplace Gala. Read Mr. Stewart's entire speech here. 

 “AMREF is more than a voice of Africa. It is deeds: acts of compassion, of intelligence, of purpose. They’ve learned how to truly improve health in Africa by asking Africans what needs to be done, and how best to do it. Theirs is an approach that involves people at all economic levels and that looks for answers and solutions that the people themselves implement.” 

- William H. Gates Sr., Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

“From my personal experience I can testify to the unique and extraordinary service rendered by the African Medical and Research Foundation and its Flying Doctors. Here truly is an example of an organization that, if it did not exist, would have to be created, so essential and fundamental is its service to the people of sub-Saharan Africa.” 

- Walter Cronkite, CBS News

"AMREF's support for the programmes of my Ministry has contributed to the strengthening of our capacity to serve those in need. This NGO has assisted us not only in times of emergency but with the difficult challenges involved in long-term development efforts.” 

- Dr. Aaron D. Chiduo (MP), Minister for Health, United Republic of Tanzania

“AMREF is an excellent illustration of the kind of work which can be undertaken by an NGO and very courageous individuals, in difficult conditions and with limited resources, to combat suffering and extreme poverty. The [Hilton Humanitarian Award] is a testimony to the contribution AMREF has made—and will continue to make—in helping alleviate the suffering and pain of Africa's most vulnerable. The needs which AMREF seeks to address on the ground reflect the formidable challenges which I myself face daily. You do not have to look far to find examples of gross violation of human rights in the modern world, violations which too often lead to major humanitarian disasters.” 

- Mrs. Mary Robinson, Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

“I've been fascinated and inspired by the men and women I met at the Flying Doctors’ base at Wilson Airport. Their early contributions to public health across East Africa and the risks taken to complete emergency medical evacuations are the stuff of modern legend. AMREF is still providing life and death service but has evolved into a much broader organization with a vital focus on training and capacity building. Few NGOs can claim as consistent and cost-effective delivery of services on the African continent. AMREF's Canadian supporters should rest assured their contributions are well spent.” 

- Peter Kent, Deputy News Editor, Global Television Network

“AMREF is a small organization that does enormous good work in Africa. It has 600 health care workers principally in East Africa and I’ve seen it in action. I was so impressed with the work AMREF was doing, specifically for children’s health and women because they were the only health care system in most of these areas.”

- Arthur Labatt, Former Chairman, AIM Funds Management

 AMREF in the News

2009 AMREF Press Coverage

"Dreamland"

Measha Brueggergosman returns to the stage to sing from the heart. 
ELLE Canada
November 2009.
By: Noreen Flanagan

"Helping Couples Cope with Single HIV Diagnosis"

Find out how AMREF's groundreaking Counseling Discordant Couples -where one partner is HIV positive and the other is negative - program in Tanzania is descreasing stigma and empowering people towards better health. 
Toronto Star
By: Craig and Marc Kielburger
October 5, 2009.

"Driving Community Health from the Grassroots"

AMREF's Director of Capacity Building  Dr. Peter Ngatia explains why AMREF's grassroots approach to community development is so effective at improving health in Africa in this Daily Nation editorial. 
Daily Nation
By: Dr. Peter Ngatia
September 1, 2009.

“Wash Your Hair for a Good Cause”

Keep your eyes open for AMREF Canada and AG Hair Cosmetics’ SCHOOL:girls shampoo and conditioner duo, $4 from every box sold will go to AMREF’s Atanga girls program in northern Uganda. 
Calgary Herald
By: Michelle Magnan
May 5, 2009


“African Queen”

Canadian opera sensation and AMREF Canada’s goodwill Ambassador Measha Brueggergosman  writes about her trip to AMREF’s projects in Uganda.
ELLE Canada
April 2009


“After a Devastating Birth Injury, Hope”

The New York Times’ Denise Grady recently visited Dadoma Tanzania where AMREF surgeons were working tirelessly to repair the bodies of women by devastating birth injuries.
New York Times
By: Denise Grady
February 23, 2009.

 Arming Southern Sudanese Clinical Officers and Midwives to Improve Health

93 clinical officers and 42 midwives graduate from AMREF’s Maridi Institute

Music was in the air at the 8th graduation ceremony at the AMREF run Maridi Training Institute in Southern Sudan. Dust rose from hundreds of stomping feet, the colourful dancing crowds created an unmistakable atmosphere of celebration 

 “This is the happiest day of my life,” says 75-year-old Akec Aleer, who was watching her niece, Regina Achel, graduate as a clinical officer. “I am so proud of her. Now she will take care of all our sick.”

Each student at the Maridi Training Institue is special in many ways. Most are former soldiers, who have decided to become clinical officers, offering scarce and vital medical services in a country with some of the lowest health indicators in the world.

The Maridi School opened its doors in 1998, in the midst of the civil war, and has grown to be the leading health training institute in the country. In 2001, when the first class of 13 graduated, nobody suspected that eight years later, the Maridi Institute would be celebrating the graduation of 145 students. 

“Southern Sudan is uplifting,” says the school principal, Mr Eluzai Lou, himself a former student and a former soldier of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. “Today allows us to throw a light into the future of our country.” 

According to Dr Stanley Ambajaro, Director for Human Resource Development in the Government of Southern Sudan’s Ministry of Health, “clinical officers now provide 75 per cent of required health services in our country.”

Initially, the training offered at Maridi was only for clinical officers, but the class of 2009 also includes 42 community midwives. 

Community midwives’ are critical in helping to reverse the grim dangers that women and children face in Southern Sudan. One out of every 50 women will die due to pregnancy or labour related complications in Southern Sudan compared to 1 in every 17,000 in Canada

 “I am really excited to be graduating today,” says Alex Mawa, a graduating clinical officer. “It has been tough. Sometimes we even have to use donkeys to get to the hospitals where we do our practicals, but now after the long journey, I can to go out and save many lives.”  

A recent report produced by the WHO and AMREF indicates that Southern Sudan needs 1,500 clinical officers in the next five years (a production of 300 per year). After 20 years of civil war, many professionals, including health workers, fled to neighbouring countries, Europe and North America. 

There are only 39 doctors currently working in all of Southern Sudan, 20 work in private clinics.   

“We still need to find a way to train more mid-level workers,” says Dr Peter Ngatia, AMREF’s Director for Capacity Building. “We have the capacity to train 150 clinical officers every year here at Maridi, but because of funding constraints we are currently training only 45.” 

Find out more information;

Southern Sudan
Training clinical officers n Southern Sudan
Photo Slideshow of AMREF’s Tali clinic in Southern Sudan
Maternal Child Health
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AMREF News

Read more.   

 Corporations 

Many of AMREF Canada's activities are supported by the generosity of Candian and international corporations, including; 

Accenture

AG Hair Cosmetics

Anansi Publishing

Barrick

Bentall Capital

Boland Howe LLP

Buron Holdings

Capital Drilling Limited

Canaccord Capital

CIBC World Markets Inc. – Team Squires

ECO Water

The Glazin Group Executive Search Consultants

GlaxoSmithKline 

Golder Associates

Gryphon Partners

Hatch

Homewood Corporation

IAMGOLD

Morneau Sobeco

Mackenzie Financial

Major Drilling Group International Inc.

Marsh

Paliare Roland

PanAfrican Mining

Paradigm Capital

Platinum Legal

PricewaterhouseCoopers

RBC Dominion Securities - Team Tiviluk

SNC-Lavalin

Sodexo

Stonegate Private Counsel

Suresh

Learn more about AMREF Canada's partners;

African Communities
African Policy Makers
Foundations
Government
Academic and Research Institutions
Become a Partner