Thoughts from our Chief Executive

The ECHO of Funding Decisions

Over the years much has been written about our Outreach services, and many compliments have been received from grateful recipient communities. Two highly professional multi-disciplinary teams, venturing into the rural towns, villages and refugee camps dotted around the West Bank examining and treating those who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to journey into our main Hospital in Jerusalem. 

It is most disappointing that, effective 1 July, we will be reduced to one team due to the withdrawal of funding from the European Commission, who have supported our ECHO Outreach service for the past seven years. This is the result of a 20% diminished budget within the EU for humanitarian aid purposes, and our Outreach work, in their eyes, is no longer considered a high priority. Our view is to the contrary, particularly as the level of eye disease within the population is increasing – in 2005 we treated 64,000 patients, which rose to 102,000 last year – and our activity during the first five months of 2011 indicates we will exceed that record number.

In addition to supporting the Outreach service to the sum of €186,000, the EU, during 2010/2011 also provided a total of €280,000 towards the running costs of Hebron Hospital, and our Clinics in Gaza and Anabta. This funding also ends and has left us with a whopping €466,000 shortfall. As readers will appreciate the withdrawal of such a large sum has had a devastating impact on both our budget and our services provided. It has also left us financially vulnerable. With immense regret we have had no alternative other than to reduce our manpower levels in Jerusalem, and the Hebron Hospital in May reduced its working week from 5 to 4 days. Our London office has also not been immune to the cuts made and now functions with one less member of staff.

Every possible effort will be made by our one remaining team to continue to reach those who cannot reach us.  

Chief Executive Officer, Rod Bull