Friends of African Nursing (FoAN) was started as an organisation by two individuals, Lesley Fudge and Kate Woodhead, who had family contacts in Africa and due to their professional nursing backgrounds, had taken an interest in the health systems in African countries which they had visited whilst on holiday.  I have had no hand in their achievements and list it here because co-founder Kate Woodhead is my sister-in-law and I have immense respect for the achievements of FoAN.  Having done a very small amount of development work in West Africa myself I am full of wonder for their endeavour, spirit and commitment in delivering this programme.  What I can tell you from my short experience is that the challenges of addressing (especially rural) ill-health and its prime cause, poverty, in sub-Saharan Africa are unimaginable, until you go there.

It was apparent to both Kate and Lesley separately, that the privilege of the healthcare environment in which they both worked in the UK - which offered continuing education, ready access to journals, speciality (perioperative) education and a professional association (in which they were closely involved, at home) as a ready made network.... was indeed a huge privilege which should be shared.

So they raised some funds, used whatever contacts they could make, find or encourage and the first course in Uganda became a reality! Thanks to all those early supporters, they are on the road to many more travels and sharing experiences and knowledge with their African Nursing colleagues albeit on a very small scale.

The organisation continues to grow and thanks to continuing financial support and encouragement particularly from Denis Robson from Johnson and Johnson Professional Export, from these small beginnings FoAN gained charity status in 2006.

Previous Scottish Executive First Minister Jack McConnel made a significant target of Malawi as an aid centre for Scotland to share resources (there are many historical ties) and often the media have talked about this decision as if it is wayward and speak of 'missing millions' i.e. where did all the money go?  FoAN has been empowered by that the Scottish aid budget (and many other donors) and is a clear example of how willing and professionally run and resourced teams can deliver expert targeted projects with the minimum of administrative cost (and I do mean minimum!) which build other people's capacity for health, wealth and happiness in a self-reliant way.  We need to celebrate successes in this difficult environment.

FoAN are building their capacity, and are connected into a world-wide network for publicity and further support (as I write Kate is addressing a conference in Canada).  I urge you to consider adding your voice and support to the cause.

Contact: Friends of African Nursing