Our vision
A world in which the poorest and most marginalised enjoy their right to health.
Our mission
We work with communities, service providers, policy makers and donors in difficult environments in Africa, Asia and Latin America to secure access to effective primary health care for marginalised people affected by conflict, instability or discrimination.
Background
Health Unlimited was founded in August 1984 by a group of British aid workers to meet the gap in the provision of medical aid to people affected by prolonged and complex conflicts. Health Unlimited started its first action in southern Afghanistan in the same year. Most assistance in war-torn areas is focused on emergency relief which, essential though it is, does not address long-term needs and, more importantly does not invest in the potential of local people to take control of their lives.
From these origins we pioneered a development approach to working in fragile states and difficult environments and have extended our remit to include work with indigenous people whose lives and lands are threatened.
Today Health Unlimited works in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We give priority to the most marginalised and remote communities who are neglected by governments and virtually everyone else.
5 reasons to run for Health Unlimited...
- In most areas where we operate, Health Unlimited is the only organisation specialising in long-term health programmes.
- For every pound you give 92p is invested in supporting the communities we work with.
- We work with indigenous people and communities living in the inaccessible areas of countries affected by conflict or political instability. These communities would otherwise be neglected by their own government because they are considered too expensive to reach or are discriminated against.
- 95% of our field staff are local people trained by Health Unlimited. We have pioneered a culturally sensitive and long-term approach to working in post conflict and remote areas that invests in the potential of local people.
- We have a cost effective approach focusing on health education, prevention and positive health seeking behaviour.