The mission of Project HOPE is reflected by its full name: Health Opportunities for People Everywhere. Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is strongly identified with the S.S. Hope, the world’s first peacetime hospital ship. Although the famous ship was retired in 1974, the organisation’s purpose remains the same – to achieve sustainable advances in health care through education programmes, health policy research and humanitarian assistance. Project HOPE now delivers land-based health services and humanitarian aid on five continents.
Education and partnership always have been at the heart of the organisation. On-site and visiting professionals provide health education to local medical practitioners, who then share their new skills and knowledge with others – thus sustaining and multiplying the benefits of Project HOPE’s efforts. The education programmes help government agencies and health care organisations deal with issues such as primary health care, disease management, and the prevention and detection of childhood illnesses. Project HOPE also plays a significant role in global disaster relief efforts through its Humanitarian Assistance