The drastic shortage in doctors and nurses all around the world prompted Dr. Vanessa Kerry, the daughter of Senator John Kerry, to team up with the Peace Corps to create a new non-profit providing health support to countries around the world.
The Global Health Service Corps launched in 2012 to help the 57 countries around the world that are in need of at least 2.4 million doctors, nurses and midwives, Kerry said to NBC’s Andrea Mitchell Tuesday. While there is a huge appetite to learn, these countries do not have the funds and expertise to allow it, Kerry said.
“[The goal is] to really help build a pipeline to hopefully create a new generation of doctors and nurses who can build up the health system and be able to ensure that there’s good health in countries for the future,” Kerry said.
At the moment, GHSC has committed to sending 30-36 doctors and nurses abroad. Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda will each receive about 12 medical workers.
While the Peace Corps partnership gives GHSC an efficient system to place “people into countries in a culturally sensitive way”, the organization is also partnering with the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health to coordinate medical training. U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has partially funded the group as well.
GHSC will also be providing loan repayment for volunteers.
Kerry calls the mission a “collective effort” and encourages those who are interested to visit the non-profit’s website.
Cathy Finkler