Our labor focuses on providing first-level academic training to local medical teams in pediatric liver transplant in the institutions where they work.
For this purpose, Fundahígado has developed an educational program designed to address the shortage of liver transplant procedures in this region; which according to a recent declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO), the demand is increasing each year.
During our educational program’s training process, local medical staff will offer first-level medical attention with the orientation of our specialists, free of cost; helping pediatric patients that require this treatment from the first day of the program.
This educational program offers the permanent establishment of liver patient attention units that offer an accessible first-level surgical option for a greater number of children in Latin American and Caribbean countries where this procedure does not exist.
Fundahígado America’s educational program is designed to end after 3 years of commencement, when these pediatric transplant units are working autonomously.
Today, the Fundahígado America programs that have already been established perform an average of 12 pediatric liver transplant surgeries each year in countries like Venezuela, where this program has been going on for 15 years.
We expect to reach between 10 and 15 cases a year in countries like Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, where we have progressed in our conversations with local authorities for the program’s establishment.
Members of Fundahígado America’s board of directors have also began conversations with Peru’s authorities after they have shown interest in participating in this educational program; where we expect to reach up to 20 surgeries a year.
The execution of this program consists in 4 fundamental components which oversee different aspects and execution timelines for the discussion of their main objectives for success.
1st Component
Action Plan Development (6 month duration)
Participation of Local Government:
At Fundahígado America we establish a direct relationship with local authorities in countries that take part in the Foundation’s program, seeking their support and authorization to begin the action plan.
At the same time, we make financing agreements with local governments with the purpose of guaranteeing the continuity of the execution of transplants once the Fundahígado America training program is finished.
Identification of Ally Institutions:
At this stage, the Foundation scouts the hospital institutions that have the necessary infrastructure in order to carry out the program.
Selection and Call of Professionals and Specialized Staff:
At this stage the Foundation selects the specialists that could be potential participants in the Fundahígado America Educational program.
Action Plan Development with each Ally Institution:
At Fundahígado America we develop an action plan with the hospital institution selected to participate in our educational program, it oversees the details of the healthcare staff training process, which will be personalized according to their level of experience and expertise.
We also establish an activity and event calendar with the selected team, this first stage includes some handouts, which will be facilitated to all medical staff participating in the
Foundation’s training program. For example:
- Letter of Agreement with every participating country.
- List of selected medical and professional health institutions with a statement on the fundamental reason for their selection.
- Action plan for each of the selected medical institutions.
- Annual briefing that details the progress of our activities
From this first stage, we hope to obtain a complete list of the institutions and professionals that are eligible for participation in the Fundahígado America Educational Program.
2nd Component
Training Program Establishment
This educational program is designed to be executed on-site and online. The local medical staff training process consists of classes with the Fundahígado America Team as well as online classes.
The Team makes 3 to 5 visits to the countries where the program takes place; during these visits there will be face-to-face time invested on local medical staff.
If necessary, the selected medical staff team could travel to witness liver transplant procedures in order countries.
3rd Component
Establishment of the 30-month Training Program
In order to further ensure the sustainability of the Fundahígado America Educational
Program and to mitigate any government budget deficit, the Foundation launches local fundraising events in each country.
Fundahígado America strives to establish these new nonprofit relationships as parallel activities, along with the establishment of the program’s training activities.
Identification and Inclusion of Local Leaders:
While the training program is being executed in each country, Fundahígado America’s representatives also meet with people and institutions interested in supporting pediatric liver transplant procedures.
The alliances that are derived from these meetings could include nonprofit organizations that already back and sponsor pediatric health services, such as high net-worth individuals that show empathy towards our cause.
Configuration of Local Fundraisers:
Fundahígado America provides assistance to those who are interested, after being previously identified, to establish base fundraising campaigns; or without formal benefits to administrate and reach donors.
Throughout this activity, Fundahígado America shares tools like for example, GoFundMe campaigns and other experiences based on previous successful efforts in countries like Venezuela and Costa Rica.
Offer of Pediatric Liver Transplants Free of Cost to Low-Income Patients:
The Fundahígado America team makes multiple trips that are necessary to the training program’s development; they serve as an opportunity for the foundation’s doctors to execute pediatric liver transplants free of cost to low-income patients.
4th Component
Establishment of Local Fundraising (30 months duration)
Consulting Services for Local Institutions and Staff:
Besides identifying the partners and carrying out the training, the Fundahígado America Team is also available for local institutions and medical support staff for consultation and follow-up.
Monitoring, Assessment and Learning:
As part of the project’s management activities, Fundahígado America does a midterm evaluation to request feedback about the program, to ensure that the procedures are being carried out in accordance to the manual drafted by the Foundation.
Fundahígado America does a midterm evaluation after approximately 1 year of the project’s establishment to evaluate its progress and to identify possible corrective actions.
Fundahígado America also performs a final evaluation of the project in order to measure its effectiveness in the achievement of its objectives and to identify the lessons learnt for similar projects in the future.
Logistical Support Requirements:
As part of the project management component, the Fundahígado America Team provides logistical support to help organize trips regarding the treatments, as well as any other requirements for the successful establishment of the training program.
To learn more about the Fundahígado America Educational Program and the history of transplant in Latin America and the Caribbean, or if you wish to contribute to our cause, you can reach us at:
Sitio: www.fundahigadoamerica.org
Or to our social media accounts:
Email: contacto@fundahigado.com
Twitter: @FundaHigadoAmer
Facebook: fundahigadoamerica
Linkedin: fundahigado-america
Instagram: @fundahigadoamerica
