Medical know-how for Africa instead of Christmas cards
December – the time of year marked by a deluge of Christmas cards. Last year, the Congress Center Basel (CCB) took the decision not to send out printed festive greetings to its clients and business partners. Instead, the Congress Center sent out digital Christmas greetings. By solving a shuffle puzzle, recipients were able to influence the amount donated. The donations were used to support the project “Education for the next generation; the key to a sustainable future” run by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in Basel. The aim of the campaign is to support the upcoming generation of decision-makers in low-income countries through targeted initial and further training.
With the donations, Zuleka Ismail from Ethiopia was able to participate in the 14-week diploma course on “Health Care and Management (HCM) From Research to Implementation”. This further education course was held at the Swiss TPH – one of many internationally operating organisations in Basel.
On-the-spot assistance
“The course covered topics such as epidemiology, nutrition and reproductive health. My expectations were surpassed. The instructors from various backgrounds have given me a taste of what it is like to contextualise and work at all levels”, says Zuleka Ismail. Research in Ethiopia today does not make anywhere near sufficient allowance for people’s living conditions, the vet explains. She is committed to ensuring that the people in her home country receive better access to the health service. “After the course, my plan is to continue with the programmes and projects. In Ethiopia, I will be participating in research studies and in their implementation”, Ismail explains. She found the city of Basel and its people to be friendly and helpful. She enjoyed the mix of historical buildings and modern architecture, as well as walks along the Rhine and in nearby nature. And, citing typical Swiss clichés, she adds: “I’m also enjoying the Swiss chocolate, cheese and blue-eyed people”.
