Many people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to prompt medical care in an emergency, something we often take for granted in the US. Injuries from a car crash, or the consequences of a severe infection, rapidly worsen without immediate, stabilizing care.

We believe that all people deserve fast and effective care in their moments of medical crisis, and we are working to build capacity and develop local leaders in emergency medicine to meet this need in Botswana.

At the University of Botswana we are trying to achieve this goal. We have developed several urgent projects. What we need now is your help to bring these projects to life.

Even a small gift goes a long way. Your donation will be used to build local knowledge and expertise for sustainable change, and you will receive a newsletter on our progress. Read below for details on our projects, and thank you for caring!

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Be a sustaining donor:

We are also looking for partners who wish to take a more prominent and personal role in building health in Botswana. If you are someone who believes in the urgency of health care need in Africa and are in a position to fully fund one of these projects below, please reach out to me directly. Your gift can be made on a one-time or annual basis and is tax-deductible. The project you support will be named in your honor and you will receive personal updates from me on its use.

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Our Projects

All donations will go toward these projects in the areas of greatest need first. We hope to fund each one of these projects at least once. Some, patient care in particular, we will try to fund in multiples of greater than one.

Patient Care Fund — $2000

At Princess Marina Hospital, where we care for patients, supply shortages frequently limit the care we can provide. Patients suffer when small but necessary items, tools and supplies are lacking or out of stock. During emergencies, there is no time to find supplies elsewhere. This fund is used to create a backup stock of critical medications and equipment available to care for patients free of charge.

Above: You cannot train doctors without adequate equipment and you cannot treat patients without well-trained doctors. Education and patient care go hand-in-hand (photo from Rwanda)

Medical Research Seed Grant — $2000

Most medical research is funded with the priorities of high-income countries in mind, but the priorities of low- and middle-income countries are often different. A small seed grant can ignite a long and productive research career for doctors in Botswana, allowing them to build a better and more effective local health care system. These funds will be used to support junior physician-researchers, helping them engage in quality research for better patient care.

Research Dissemination and Networking Grant—$1500

Often the best work is done through exchange of ideas and collaborations between African professional peers. However, junior faculty and trainees in Botswana frequently lack the means to share their work at international conferences, where they can learn from the work of others and make professional connections. This grant pays for airfare and other expenses allowing doctors to participate in international conferences.

Dr. Nthume presented his dissertation at the African Conference on Emergency Medicine in Ghana, in November 2022, with support from these gifts.

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