Strained health systems around the world face infrastructure deficiencies and shortages of medicine and staff. The needs of patients and the burden of disease, paired with these ongoing system-wide challenges, not only limit care, but also restrict access to professional opportunity and leadership development among health care providers. This can further stunt health systems as they seek to provide the health care their communities need.
At HVO, we strengthen health systems by empowering health workers. For thirty years, our volunteers have provided hands-on teaching and training to their overseas colleagues. Their work increases knowledge, improves skills and grows professional networks.
In 2015, HVO expanded these efforts by launching a scholarship program that nurtures the next generation of leaders in the health care sector of resource-scarce countries. The scholarship affords health workers the opportunity to improve their skill set and build their professional network.
The HVO Scholarship for Future Leaders in Global Health, launched through the generous support of Mr. Hansjörg Wyss, allows HVO to support the professional development of local health care providers at HVO project sites. The scholarship funds attendance at regional and international conferences, meetings, and short-term courses, as well as online short courses. Eligible recipients include individuals at HVO project sites who have demonstrated qualities critical to leadership – being open-minded, flexible, resourceful and highly motivated, able to deal with complexity and ambiguity, characterized by strong personal integrity, and possessing a passion and drive to improve their health system and serve their community.
The success of the scholarship’s first year has motivated us to expand the program and enable our community to support these scholars. Partnering with Growfund – a donor-advised fund created by Global Impact – HVO has created the HVO Leadership Fund. This fund will directly support the HVO Scholarship for Future Leaders in Global Health. All funds donated through the HVO Leadership Fund support professional development and education opportunities for health workers at HVO project sites.
In addition, supporters can contribute to the scholarship fund by making a donation on the HVO website or through the mail. Donors should include a note indicating that they wish their contribution to go to the HVO Leadership Fund.
Strong leaders will help strengthen health systems, and strong health systems will lead to more patients served and more health crises avoided. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these efforts.