Our European Partners

Project HOPE Germany: celebrating 25 years of successful commitment to mothers and children

Since 1996, Project HOPE’s German sister organization, Project HOPE e. V., has been engaged in reducing perinatal mortality and improving neonatal and maternal health in Eastern Europe. The humanitarian impact of donations in kind and money is multiplied with a high level of expertise, experience and personal commitment, helping to save many lives in the long term.

Project HOPE e.V. was founded in 1996 as autonomous entity, with its own statutes and administration and financially self-contained, closely adhering to the global credo of “Health Opportunities for People Everywhere” and its framework. Supplying hospitals and clinics with the latest medical equipment is an essential part of this work. Project HOPE e.V. is building the capacity of health workers to take special care of preterm and full-term newborns, and to better treat pathologies and conditions of high-risk pregnancies.

Reducing infant mortality and preventing premature birth defects in the poorest regions of Europe are Project HOPE e. V.’s focus. Fetal monitors, ultrasound systems, laboratory equipment, ambulance vehicles, IT systems – the contributions are manifold. In addition, hundreds of hours are spent on medical education programs. Project HOPE e.V. can rely on the support of numerous companies, private individuals and medical experts. “Only through this commitment can we help to sustainably reduce the high mortality rate of newborns and act as a dependable and competent partner,” explains Michael Dreher, Chairman of the Board.

Efficiency and Transparency

Current and former representatives of well-known companies serve on the board of Project HOPE e. V. in an honorary position. They put high priority on performance reviews and sustainability in project implementation. In terms of transparency, for example, association members and donors can regularly view project reports on the homepage. Founding member Arno Bohn adds: “I have been supporting the work of Project HOPE for 25 years because we know exactly what happens with every Euro we spend.” Whether donations in kind, logistical support, financial commitment or training assistance: commercial enterprises make an important contribution to the realization of the projects. Equally, donations from private individuals are an essential contribution in making the project work possible.

Milestones

Following projects in Eastern Hungary, Romania and Moldova, the organization initiated the “PeriMAC” project in northern Macedonia in 2016. A multi-year program, designed to improving the outcomes in the area of Perinatal care in North MACedonia. The equipment, materials and services turned over from 2016 thru 2020 had an actual value of more than two million Euros…while the success story continues:

Every year in North Macedonia, hundreds of critical premature babies and pregnant women have to be transported to the emergency room in the state capital Skopje, because only there can optimal help be provided. Project HOPE is establishing a nationwide neonatal transport system. For this purpose, specially equipped baby ambulances will be purchased, which will ensure a safe and well-protected transport. In addition, a dedicated infrastructure will be developed, coupled with comprehensive educational programs.

Project HOPE e. V.’s Management Board

Michael Dreher, Chair

Dr. Peter Ziese, Vice Chair
PHILIPS Medzinsysteme

Roland Dürr, Treasurer

Johannes Busch
CANON Medical Systems GmbH

Dr. Peter Christ
Pinsent Masons Germany LLP

Dr. Thomas Leiers
Ferring Arzneimittel GmbH

Rainer Mück
MMP Mück Management Partners

Dr. Julius Westrick
Konrad Westrick s.r.l.

For more information, visit the Project HOPE e. V. website or connect with us on our LinkedIn profile.

 

Our Work in North Macedonia

In 2015, Project HOPE supported refugees forced to flee war-torn Syria and other countries who crossed the border into North Macedonia on their way to western Europe. The influx of thousands of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa who crossed the Greece/North Macedonia border daily caused a major strain on North Macedonia’s health care system and resources. Project HOPE responded with critically needed medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies, as well as medical volunteers who provided care directly to refugees and children.

In 2007, Project HOPE began implementing the Strategic Medical Re-Supply Program in North Macedonia to improve the quality of care for patients by providing targeted donations of medicines and medical supplies. By providing donations valued at more than $20 million, Project HOPE is helping the Ministry of Health and Hospitals increase budget saving and improve the availability of appropriate medicines and medical supplies.

As part of the program, Project HOPE volunteer doctors, nurses, and other health workers provide training and peer-to-peer education in the areas of pediatrics, oncology, and radiotherapy.

>> Photos: Saving Lives in Kosovo and North Macedonia

Project HOPE Swiss International Foundation (PHSIF)

Whether safeguarding the health of urban refugees and migrants, providing care for mothers and infants, or strengthening health systems to face disaster, PHSIF works with Project HOPE’s corporate partners in Switzerland and the wider European region to transform the health and well-being of people worldwide.

Saving the Newborn in Sierra Leone

With just 245 doctors for 7 million people, Sierra Leone is one of the most dangerous places to be a mother or infant. The country is home to some of the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the world — deaths that could be prevented with the right training and resources.

Funded by Project HOPE Swiss International Foundation, the Saving the Newborn Initiative focused on improving healthcare facilities, building the skills of healthcare workers, and expanding community support for mothers and newborns by increasing access to quality care.

In three years, the program provided care for over 2,600 sick newborn infants and trained more than 1,300 health care workers to provide essential newborn care. Thanks to Project HOPE Swiss International Foundation, survival rates are climbing and thousands of mothers and babies are being connected to lifesaving care.

>> Read our final report: Saving the Newborn in Sierra Leone

 

PHSIF Board Members

Chairman of the Board

Peter Wilden, Ph.D.
Chairman
Ferring International Center SA

Vice Chairman

Reynold W. Mooney
Retired Principal
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
Chair of the Board, Project HOPE

Michel P. Glauser, M.D., CFRCP, FIDSA, FAAM,
Honorary Professor of Medicine
University of Lausanne (UNIL)

Ami Lapidot
Chairman and Owner
Lapidot Group

Frédéric Vuilleumier
Attorney-at-law, Swiss Certified Tax Expert
OBERSON ABELS SA

*Project HOPE Swiss International Foundation is a corporation with its seat in Geneva, Switzerland and is tax exempt due to its public charitable status. It provides donation certificates to its donors.

For international transfers, PHSIF works with the Transnational Giving Europe (TGE) organization through the King Baudouin Foundation. TGE provides a secure way to make tax efficient cross-border cash donations, connecting 21 countries in Europe. The King Baudouin Foundation, amongst others, also assists with transfers from the USA to Europe and Africa.

Donors

Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Ferring International Center S.A.
Ch. De la Vergognausaz 50
1162 Saint-Prex,
Switzerland

Tel: +41 50 301 00 00
Fax: +41 58 301 00 10

To learn more about how you can support Project HOPE’s mission through Project HOPE Swiss International Foundation, contact Annemarie de Wit at phsif@projecthope.org.