A hand-up, not a hand-out.

Often times we provide a hand-out to those less fortunate in an attempt to help them.  This gesture is well-intended and an important part of how aid is delivered today.   However, its consequences can be less impactful that taking the time to engage and determine how to reach out and provide the much more valuable hand-up, rather than simply a hand-out.

In June 2016, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that the number of refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced people around the world had topped a staggering 65 million, a number that is likely to have increased significantly since then given the famine, drought, natural disasters and geo-political destabilization that have continued to negatively impact large segments of the population around the world. Not only does this number stand for “immense human suffering” as reported by the UNHCR, it also represents untapped professional skills; caught within these figures are likely thousands and thousands of health care professionals.

Indeed the ‘crisis in human resources’ in the health sector has been described as one of the most pressing global health issues of our time. Globally we are facing a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, a situation whose challenges are magnified with the ageing demographics seen in virtually every country around the world.  Displaced populations represent a potential productive workforce asset whether in their host countries, their home countries once repatriated or any other country with important skills shortages.  Further evidence of the potential displaced healthcare professionals represent is made clear through the number of migrant doctors and nurses working in OECD countries, a figure that has increased by 60% over the past 10 years - from 1,130,068 to 1,807,948.

Without adequate and timely intervention in the form of professional credential restoration and professional development, nurses and other healthcare professionals within these displaced populations represent a huge economic and skill set loss at a time when the world can least afford it. 

Fortunately, there are initiative underway to help unlock this potential.  At the forefront is a coalition formed by Dr. Frances Hughes, Director Global Strategic Initiatives for CGFNS and former CEO of the International Council of Nurses; Monique Morrow, President and co-Founder of the widely acclaimed Humanized Internet and life-long technology futurist; and the Andan Foundation, supporter and enabler of private sector creativity and initiatives to support humanitarian agencies and governments in enabling sustainable solutions for refugees. Swiss-based partner Procivis is providing the enabling technology through its trusted and compliant eID+ digital identity solutions and its VETRI blockchain-enabled personal data platform.

This coalition of hugely talented and capable individuals and organizations has been working quietly to create a program to address this gap in healthcare professional by unlocking the potential in the refugee population which includes experienced caregivers holding certificates or degrees in areas such as: aged care, child health, community support workers, practical / enrolled nurses, registered nurses, physical therapists, medical technicians, speech or language therapy and more.

Through the innovative program they have conceptualized, refugees who have educational and professional experience in healthcare will be helped to gain social and workplace integration through re-certification of their credentials. The deployment of blockchain technology that is embedded in this program will enable the refugee’s professional identities to be digitally stored and used to support their ongoing employability and international mobility.  A hand-up, not a hand-out, massively empowering for an overlooked and dis-enfranchised group of highly talented and trained professionals.

While you might not have heard about this yet, that is about to change.  This group has been named a finalist in MIT’s 2018 Solve Challenge.  Solve is an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that advances lasting solutions from tech entrepreneurs to address the world's most pressing problems. Each year, Solve issues four Global Challenges to find the most promising Solver teams who will drive transformational change. 

Here is where we need your help.  Part of the selection process is based on which group receives the most votes, external from the judges.  Your vote could make a difference.  So, won’t you please take a minute or two and click on the link below and vote for this wonderfully empowering and timely initiative.

https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/frontlines-of-health/solutions/4269

Don’t wait – please vote now.

Let’s take-action to give refugees a hand-up and help us all to achieve a brighter future.

Thank you.