BRIDGE is a medical cooperation NPO working toward a world where everyone can live a healthy and safe life. It works with universities and local governments and medical institutions to provide medical technology, conduct research and surveys, and carry out outreach.
Its activities began in 2001, when it started pneumoconiosis training courses in Asian countries commissioned by the International Labour Organization. It launched a school health project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2007 and a community health project in Brazil's Pantanal region in 2010, became an NPO in 2014 and a certified NPO in 2016.
Today it supports the maintenance and development of community health care in medically underserved parts of Brazil, works on public health, infectious disease surveys and education support in the Congo, and shares its work through academic meetings and cultural exchange in Japan. It also supports the WHO/ILO project to eliminate occupational pneumoconiosis, giving technical guidance on diagnosis and sending experts to Asian countries.
Key points
- Medical cooperation tailored to each region: Brazil, the Congo and Asia
- Works with local medical facilities and authorities to build sustainable systems
- Regular activity reports, including the "Gia Lopes Letters" series from Brazil
Why this organization's work stands out
Building on international health experience from university research and education, BRIDGE aims to lay a foundation so that local people can stand on their own. It combines the provision of medical technology with research and outreach.
Annual and financial reports are published by year, which is helpful for anyone considering support. According to the website, donations are eligible for the donation deduction system.
Editor's comment
As its name suggests, BRIDGE connects Japan's medical technology and people to the places that need them.
The latest activity reports are on the official website. Please take a look.