The Deutsche Institut für Ärztliche Mission e. V. (Difäm) is a Christian organization based in Tübingen, Germany, that has been committed to fair, sustainable and high-quality healthcare worldwide since 1906. As a donation-based specialist advisory center, medical aid organization and sponsor of the Tropenklinik Paul-Lechler-Krankenhaus, Difäm supports disadvantaged people in countries of the Global South in particular by improving basic healthcare[1][2][3].
The main services of Difäm include advising on, designing, implementing and evaluating health projects in close cooperation with local partner organizations. The focus is on building and equipping healthcare facilities, ensuring the supply of medication and providing training and further education for medical professionals. Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and leprosy, as well as chronic and neglected diseases, are at the heart of the work, as is the promotion of maternal and child health. Difäm places particular emphasis on the active participation of the local population in improving their health situation[1][2][3].
Difäm's longer-term goal is to reduce the dependence of partner countries on external aid. To this end, the organization supports local pharmaceutical production by providing raw materials, equipment and training local specialists. In addition, Difäm is involved in political lobbying and public education to realize the human right to health worldwide[3].
The institute's values are based on Christian charity, solidarity and sustainability. Difäm promotes equitable healthcare that benefits all people, especially in neglected regions. The many years of experience of doctors and specialists, who themselves have worked in the project countries for many years, guarantees professional expertise and cultural sensitivity[1][2].
In addition, Difäm offers training and further education in tropical medicine and public health to optimally prepare medical professionals for their work in underdeveloped regions. The sponsorship of the Tropenklinikum Paul-Lechler-Krankenhaus enables a high level of medical quality and a close integration of practice and teaching[2][3].
Overall, the Deutsche Institut für Ärztliche Mission is an established and committed network in global health work for sustainable, cooperative and professionally sound support of health services for the benefit of disadvantaged people worldwide.
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