Under ESTHER Ireland’s Programme, the HSE facilitates Irish hospitals and other health institutions to engage in partnerships with similar institutions in low and middle income countries. This provides a mechanism for health staff to contribute to health needs in low income countries while continuing to be based in Ireland. This also provides an opportunity for health staff based in Ireland to learn from staff based in low income countries.
Currently ESTHER Ireland, with the support of Irish Aid, has approved seven full ESTHER Ireland Partnerships, which have undergone a thorough Partnership Audit, and been found to adhere strongly to the principles of the European ESTHER Alliance. These partnerships are:
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland + College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (2013)
Cork University Maternity Hospital + Omdurman Maternity Hospital (Sudan) (2013)
Mayo General Hospital + Londiani District Hospital (Kenya) (2015)
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin + Muhimbili National Hospital (Tanzania) (2015)
The Health Services Executive + Ministry of Health of Mozambique (2017)
Palms Surgery Gorey + Mzuzu, Malawi
Edenpark Surgery/Standing Voice Malawi Partnership
The EQUALS Initiative collaboration between RCPI and the HSE
Other institutions with partnerships fulfilling ESTHER’s quality criteria are invited to apply to join ESTHER Ireland by emailing: [email protected].
Learn more about the ESTHER Ireland partnerships
The case studies document, “Partnerships Panorama ESTHER Ireland Partnerships – What Have We Learned?”, was produced in 2016 and examines the partnerships, as well as the Small Grants Scheme. It distills key lessons, as well as outlining some of the features and principles of successful partnerships, and provides useful guidance for anyone thinking of undertaking international health partnerships work. Please click on the image to download the document in .pdf format.
