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 fulfil 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.
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.
Initial research was carried out in South Africa; however the focus for the establishment of much needed accommodation and training facilities has now shifted to Malawi and Zambia. AMECA is currently in negotiation with doctors and organisations in these countries and the foundations for several initiatives are being planned.
In addition to its long term building objectives in Africa, AMECA will also fund the training of doctors or other health care professionals from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds in Africa. For every year of training funded, the students will be retained in employment in hospitals and clinics, which will help in achieve greater continuity of care in these areas.
AMECA has also established six Bursary Awards for financially disadvantaged students at Nottingham Medical School. These awards will fund final year medical electives in African countries, which will not only improve the range of clinical skills experience of students, but will help to foster relationships with disadvantaged communities in Africa.
Nottingham Karnival, who are the fundraising arm of the Students Union of Nottingham University are most generously funding 50% of the cost of these Awards. Karnival is the largest and most successful student run RAG organisation in Europe. More information on Karnival can be obtained at
http://www.su-web.nottingham.ac.uk/~karnival/index2.htm
AMECA has also established two travel Bursary Awards at St John's School each year and the first awards will be available in the academic year 08/09. These awards will be given to students who have secured gap year or holiday voluntary work in an African community and who may require financial assistance.
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.