Sponsorship opportunity

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in this exciting return trip to Nepal. I had the privilege to travel there 2 years ago and found that healthcare in the developing world was very hard to stomach. Please see my thoughts from my visit in the RTSO Spring 2008 newsletter - page 3

Through the help of mentors and SickKids, I was able to bring a pocket spirometer to Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) and conduct a pilot lung function study with the traffic police in Nepal. I am happy to say that it is still in use by researchers investigating various factors affecting lung function on people in rural and urban centres.

Upon return, I partnered with other likeminded people to start a charity. We’re proud to say that Bringing About Better Understanding - BABU which in Nepali means baby boy – is now a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency! BABU exists to improve the level of child healthcare available in Nepal. We achieve this through a) public education and b) empowerment of physicians and surgeons through knowledge share and quality equipment donations. We currently work through the newly founded International Friendship Childrens' Hospital (IFCH - http://www.ifch.com.np). We have sent 2 people there last year for the opening of the hospital. One has returned for the 1^st year anniversary and to do more needs assessment. I will be returning in March 2010 for ~2.5months to launch the inaugural neonatal nasal CPAP program. We are still looking for a sponsors to champion this initiative by donating 2 variable flow CPAP systems. Please see abstract. They are also desperately in need of syringe pumps, ultrasound and non-invasive/invasive ventilators for their Neonatal/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

If you think that you might be able to help in any shape or form that would be greatly appreciated. Through BABU, you can be certain that any donation will get to IFCH and be used to service those in most need. During my first visit, equipment that my friend and I acquired for the only government pediatric hospital in the country went mysteriously missing in less than 2wks. We have learned our lesson and we now have a formal process to manage all donated equipment to ensure that it a) does not grow legs and b) remains in use.

Please feel free to forward my contact information to anyone who may be of help or is simply interested in global healthcare. Thank you for your time and attention. I appreciate any thoughts, comments or suggestions!

Hope you are having an excellent start to the new year!

Eric Cheng

eric(at)ideas2implementations.org