Summary
Knowledge for Change and the Liverpool-Mulago Partnership (LMP) formally merged in 2016, following 5 years of close partnership and running several joint projects. The LMP registered as a charity in 2008 (no. 1135219) and formalised a long-standing partnership between Liverpool Women’s Hospital (UK) and Mulago National Referral Hospital (Uganda). The LMP began on a small scale, focusing primarily on staff exchanges between the two facilities and some small-scale infrastructural developments at Mulago and other Health Centres in the local area. It grew rapidly following successful application for the Sustainable Volunteering Project which included the placement of over 100 long-term professional volunteers in 9 separate referral hospitals and health centres across Uganda.
K4C and the LMP followed similar objectives, both sharing a strong focus on ethical and sustainable development. Following the closure of Mulago Hospital for major renovation work in 2016 and ongoing uncertainty about the future of Liverpool Women’s Hospital, a decision was made to merge the two organisations. Highlighted benefits included the streamlining of activities and achieving economies of scale. The merger was made straightforward by the fact that some trustees already sat on the boards of both organisations. K4C has sustained all LMP projects and has maintained strong relationships with local stakeholders. In particular, K4C continues the work of the LMP in Mulago, Kisenyi and Kawempe Hospitals and Kasangati Health Centre in Kampala.
Although the LMP has now officially closed as a charity, its legacy and experience remain within K4C. We wish to thank all the trustees and professional volunteers that contributed to the success of the organisation, many of whom remain closely involved.
