Welcome to AMREF

Courtyard of AMREF HQ

Our first day at the African Medical and Relief Foundation was Tuesday 6/19 and what a welcome it was.  We got an initial introduction to the organizations structure, then we  proceeded to be introduced to absolutely everyone in the building.  Everyone was glad to see us and many related to us what an important partner GSK is to their efforts. The two organizations have been working together for over 20 years in various projects.  The rest of the week the introductions continued as we had a very well coordinated series of briefings from all the department heads to introduce us to the scope and breath of their efforts.  

The Flying Doctors roll too!

AMREF is over 50 years old and was initially started as the Flying Doctors in 1957 by 3 surgeons: Michael Wood, Archibald McIndoe and Tom Rees.  These three piloted rough strip capable small planes into the most remote areas of east Africa to deliver surgery and medical treatment in the roughest conditions.  Their legacy continues to this day as AMREF continues to deliver surgeons and emergency evacuation services across east Africa.  We found through the briefings that the organization has grown past that important initial mission into one of the most respected Non Governmental Organisations in the region.

Kimberley, Garret and Dorothy showing off 
their new Volunteer badges on their first day

Kimberley and I will be working in the Directorate of Capacity Expansion under Peter Ngatia on planning the expansion of their Community Healthcare Worker program.  Dorothy is a Research Chemist and will be working in their medical labs on improvement of quality processes.

Kimberley and Dorothy with some Training materials

After only a week of introductions and background briefings I can't say I know it all about this great organization.  But we are ready to start digging into the definition of the project and getting more specific on the tasks at hand.