ISAPH, short for International Support and Partnership for Health, was established in 2004 to put the international cooperation experience of St. Mary's Hospital to work at the grassroots level. It works to improve health care in developing countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, to protect people's lives and health.
Its aim is to nurture people and communities who can say, wherever they are born, "my health is my own." Rather than acting out of pity, it holds that the wish to live in good health is the same everywhere, and it works by learning together with local people.
Its activities range from promoting use of maternal and child health services in Laos and Malawi to improving food and nutrition, spreading community vegetable gardens and poultry raising, promoting edible insect farming, building revolving fund systems, and supporting families in need. In Japan, there are also opportunities to learn through guest lectures, study tours and internships.
Key points
- Community-led maternal and child health and nutrition activities in Laos and Malawi
- Guided by three principles: put residents first, think scientifically, think innovatively
- Ways to take part from Japan include guest lectures, study tours and internships
Why this organization's work stands out
Building on a hospital's international cooperation experience, ISAPH stays close to local people so they can protect their own health. Reviewing results scientifically and sharing them with local people and institutions is also part of its work.
Initiatives tied to local livelihoods, such as a producers' association for edible insects, are also introduced, offering a glimpse of how wide international health work can be.
Editor's comment
The phrase "my health is my own" is an idea that resonates with those of us living in Japan as well.
News on the activities and ways to take part are on the official website. Please take a look.