JOCS (Japan Overseas Christian Medical Cooperative Service) is an international health NGO that, under the motto "Bringing love to the world through medicine," has supported better medical conditions in regions lacking health care since 1960. It carries out its work through the support of its supporters and its used-stamp campaign.
Its work has three pillars. In "worker dispatch," health care professionals sent overseas are called "workers," and they share the pain and joy of the people while helping local people protect their own health. In its "scholarship program," it provides training opportunities to health care professionals working in areas of Asia and Africa with limited access to health services, and selects as scholarship recipients those who wish to remain and work in those areas after training. In "collaborative projects," it decides goals and content in discussion with local people and organizations and carries out health care activities together.
In Japan, ways to get involved include regular or one-time support, donating used stamps and other items, volunteering and support group activities. It also offers learning and experience programs, such as a study tour to think about "living together" at medical sites in Nepal and online global health seminars.
Key points
- Since 1960, has supported better medical conditions in regions lacking health care
- Carries out international health cooperation through three pillars: worker dispatch, a scholarship program and collaborative projects
- Opportunities to take part from Japan, including used-stamp donations, study tours and online seminars
Why this organization deserves attention
A distinctive feature is that it not only sends health professionals but also trains those working locally through scholarships, supporting the ability of local people to protect their own health. Collaborative projects carried out in discussion with local people reflect this attitude.
The used-stamp campaign turns familiar stamps into support for international health cooperation. It is an organization with easy ways to get started.
Editor's comment
Health care is an important foundation of a secure life. JOCS's phrase "living together" conveys an attitude of walking at the same eye level as local people.
The official website also lets you read workers' activity reports and updates on scholarship recipients. Why not start by listening to one voice from the field?