Newsletter March 2011

Dear colleagues and friends,

Japan and Libya are in the spotlights. Natural and man-made disaster seems closer than ever. The nuclear threat overshadows the fact that people in prosperous Japan were better protected against the violence of the tsunami than the fishermen in Sri Lanka in 2005. Organization, information and solidarity are the conditions for a response to both waves and radiation. These are also necessary conditions for protection against the rage of a dictator. In the HealthNet TPO projects we make an attempt to provide these elements. The present newsletter shares some examples of this. I hope you are all doing well and that you stay safe in your admirable efforts.

Best wishes,
Willem van de Put, general director

Closing MFS I and starting up MFS II

The MFSI funding from the Dutch government for the two-year programme on rehabilitation: ‘from Psychosocial Care to Reconstructing Health Care Systems in Afghanistan, Burundi, DR Congo and South Sudan’ came to an end on 31 December 2010. In the last months a new programme was set up, focusing on improving and strengthening social community organizations in fragile states in Africa (MFSII).

Pakistan programme development

The new country team worked hard to become a ‘boutique’ NGO in Pakistan, closely collaborating with knowledge centers and academia to develop new models for intervention. The results are beginning to show: in the beginning of 2011 HealthNet TPO Pakistan signed several Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and hopes to start with new programmes in the coming months.

Sri Lanka MENCAFEP project next on Pifworld.com

Sri Lanka has been hit hard by two catastrophic floods, caused by a North East Monsoon in December 2010. Most buildings in the affected area are destroyed, including several day-care centers for disabled children and their families. Via online donation platform Pifworld.com we aim to support local partner MENCAFEP in restoring the centers so they can take care of the children again.

Lady Health Workers Pakistan received donation Vodafone Netherlands Foundation

In February 2011, Lady Health Workers (LHWs) from Pakistan’s National Program for Family Planning and Primary Healthcare received new ‘health kits’ from the Vodafone Netherlands Foundation for their village-based health houses that were affected by the floods in the Thatta district.

HealthNet TPO launched new company website

January 2011 HealthNet TPO launched its new and improved website. Our aim is to inform you better and more often about our programmes, projects and activities as well as keep you up to date with the latest news. Information has been updated and visualized more. The improved navigation structure makes it easier to navigate and thus provide you with the information you are looking for.