How we work
From our foundation in 1841 through to today, EMMS International has worked according to Matthew 10:7-8.
Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
EMMS International works with partners in Edinburgh, Malawi, Nepal, Zambia and India to improve people’s well-being and provide better healthcare. We run a diverse range of initiatives with an emphasis on some of the poorest and hardest to reach areas of the world. As well as specialising in palliative care, mother and baby health and the prevention of transmission of diseases, our work also addresses inequalities for people who are excluded and marginalised through education, training and development.
Our work furthers the realisation of human rights, as described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights conventions.
We encourage people to exercise their responsibilities, claim their rights and stand up for the rights of others. We have the vision of a just world in which all people have access to good quality and dignified healthcare.
EMMS International is increasing access to healthcare and well-being for people who are vulnerable and marginalised by low income, poor social standing, disability and distressing personal and social circumstances.
Our aim by 2022 is to have helped 1 million poor and vulnerable people, train 1,000 healthcare and support workers, and ensure that 50% of the people we help are female.
So far, we have helped over 400,000 people, trained 418 healthcare sector workers and we have already met our target of ensuring that 50% of the people we help are female.
EMMS International adopts the World Health Organization (WHO) holistic definition of palliative care.
Our strength is that we do not simply specialise in palliative care, but that we address a broad spectrum of issues relevant to each unique context to enable gaps in palliative care to be bridged.
Palliative work is increasingly needed, as more people all over the world suffer from non-communicable diseases, and low-income countries face the double burden of continuing tropical disease plus a higher incidence of non-communicable diseases.
We operate through a trusted and proven network of partners, removing the need for EMMS International to have staff or offices based overseas.
If you would like to find out more about us and our work you can call us on 0131 313 3828 or email info@emms.org