AMECA was founded in December 2006 by Ruth Markus, in memory of her only child, Lt. Alex Coutselos, a doctor in the British Army, who died on 15th October 2006, aged 23.
Alex's experiences in Kenya, on a medical elective with the British Army, had a profound impact on him. The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of poor and vulnerable people inspired a long-term determination to become involved with such humanitarian work in the future. His untimely death has inspired his mother to fulfill this dream by improving medical facilities in Africa.
AMECA believe that one of the most significant barriers to providing much needed medical education and care in many African communities, is the poor recruitment and retention of high quality health professionals. Moreover, AMECA also believe that any healthcare initiative needs to be sustainable in the long term and should strive to solve issues at their root cause, rather than be a well intentioned, but short-term “fix”.
The miserable plight of so many people in African communities is exacerbated by a lack of doctors and other health professionals; this is one of the most significant barriers preventing the delivery of high quality medical care. AMECA endorse the view that only by providing long term support and education for medical professionals, will the overall healthcare of a community improve.
The ethos of the charity, is therefore to support initiatives that strive to overcome the poor recruitment and retention of health professionals and to provide training opportunities for medical students, doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Since inception, AMECA has sought to find the right project with the right people in the right place, in order to establish a sustainable and enduring legacy to Alex. It is crucial to the charity that the integrity of all projects is secured by ensuring correct and appropriate use of its future buildings in perpetuity for their fit purpose.
AMECA will be working with established medical schools, hospitals, doctors and organisations, who can provide the required academic input and infrastructure. Such partnerships are vital to the long term sustainability of any venture; research has shown that many projects with excellent intentions fail because of poor management and lack of long term planning.
Focus is being given to projects which are capable of income generation, in order to ensure long-term sustainability and also to generate funds to support training and other areas of need.
The AMECA Trust received charitable status from the Charity Commission in October 2007.
The broad objectives of the charity are as follows:
1) Establishment of Bursary Awards at Nottingham University Medical School to fund final year electives in African hospitals.
2) Establishment of Sponsorship Awards for African students to study Medicine.
3) The promotion of final year medical elective placements in African countries for students at Nottingham University and at other universities.
4) The establishment of medical training facilities in Africa.
AMECA's achievements to date are discussed in the Projects section of this website.
As far as possible, every penny raised will be used for the project with administration costs being kept to an absolute minimum. Ruthie is aware of the deep concern that many potential donors may have in respect of possible corruption or misappropriation of funds. AMECA gives it assurance that all funds will be paid out directly to only recognised contractors with a proven track record of expertise and integrity. AMECA is fortunate to have many friends and contacts who will give their assistance to ensure that costs are minimised and that funds are correctly targeted.
Your contribution to this project would be greatly appreciated. To donate now online, please click on the button to the left. Alternatively please go to the Donations page to view the alternative options for donations.