EMMS International

20/08/2026

We were pleased to be able to support the purchase of a rescue boat and equipment including life jackets, helmets and rope, to provide a potential life-line for people in Nepal.

Monsoon rains leading to rapid river floods and landslides can cut of vital transport routes, making it impossible for people to safely access the services they need. The newly acquired rescue boat addresses a critical gap in the emergency response capacity and will now enable timely evacuation and rescue when this is needed.

A newly acquired rubber rescue boat and equipment, including life jackets, helmets and rope, have significantly strengthened the emergency response capacity in the Baglung District of Nepal. Baglung…

07/08/2026

EMMS was a pioneer in the early days of the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). By 2025, it was the 11th most comprehensive publisher in the world, and today we continue to openly publish the spend on every project that receives government funding so that anyone can essentially "follow the money" from payments paid to actual spend on the ground.

With UK government funding sadly falling and the end of UK Aid Match, many charities are facing new challenges as we keep focused on delivering the vital work we do, but needing to source new mechanisms for supporting this work.

In this blog, EMMS International Cathy Ratcliff reflects on EMMS journey from pioneering transparency in aid spending to expanding its fundraising potential.

In this new regular blog, EMMS CEO, Cathy Ratcliff welcomes new staff and reflects on pioneering work with former colleagues.Some of our supporters and partners may have noticed how busy we’ve been in EMMS lately – though this is no different from usual! We’ve been welcoming two new senior sta...

29/07/2026

“As a doctor, I know there are times when we cannot cure disease, but we can always relieve suffering, preserve dignity, and help people find meaning and comfort. It is often the small things: a child's smile after pain is controlled, a parent's relief when they finally feel heard, or a family finding the courage to have important conversations that remind me why this work matters.

"The Sunita Project showed me that good palliative care is not created by one individual or one organisation. It is built through collaboration, trust, and listening to communities. It also reinforced my belief that every healthcare professional, regardless of their specialty, should have the knowledge and confidence to provide compassionate, person-centred care."

Amrita Shrestha, who led EMMS International International's Sunita Project, recently received a Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. In this powerful piece, Amrita talks about her motivation and inspiration to do the incredible work she does.

From a three-day basic introduction to palliative care course at Patan Hospital in Central Nepal to Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Amrita Shrestha’s journey has been…

24/07/2026

EMMS CEO, Cathy Ratcliff, was delighted to welcome athletes from Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia to Glasgow ahead of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, and to celebrate their participation - and hopefully success - in the Games.

Cathy joined the event hosted by @ and Malawi Partnership to celebrate the partnership and connection between Scotland and Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia.

EMMS has long-standing relationships with partners in all three of the Africa nations, including recent work in building the health workforce, developing palliative care services, and delivering resilient, cost saving hospital infrastructure.
https://www.emms.org/post/emms-joins-first-minister-in-welcoming-malawi-rwanda-and-zambia-to-scotland-for-games

01/07/2026

The installation and upgrading of solar power, grid and battery capacity at Mulanje Mission Hospital in Malawi is an amazing example of how investment in this form of energy can bring huge rewards.

Since upgrading the energy system, the hospital has seen huge cost savings – over US$2,000 a month – with a more reliable electricity supply, improved life of electric equipment, greater resilience of the hospital to energy and climate shocks, and more consistent patient care.

The project is an example of the benefits that solar power and battery storage, combined with grid infrastructure, can bring and an example that can be followed by other healthcare facilities.

Some key outcomes from the project were:
> Lower energy costs
> Reduced risk of power outages and service disruption
> Improved longevity of electrical equipment
> Greater resilience to extreme weather
> Lower greenhouse gas emissions and pollution
> Better water quality

Find out more >>

The combination of solar, grid and battery capacity has built resilience and reduced cost for a Malawi hospital

16/06/2026

This beautiful film follows the story of Sunita, a young woman from rural Nepal, who is looked after by her husband, Padam. It provides a window into the Sunita Project. The aim of the project is to develop a rural model of palliative care by providing training and support to health care professionals who work in rural hospitals and community settings.

It has taken a health system strengthening approach, working with female community health volunteers (FCHV) and community groups, including schools, as well as health facilities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znnGKWgqUh0

Some results of the Sunita project have recently been published in BMC Palliative Care for those who want to find out more: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12904-026-02055-7 -CR43

This beautiful film follows the story of Sunita, a young woman from...

02/06/2026

On volunteers week 2026 we take the opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU to all the incredible trustees and individuals who support our work and projects to improve healthcare and strengthen communities around the world.

It also feels like a good opportunity to invite people interested in becoming a trustee for to get in touch. We’d especially love to hear from people with skills in fundraising, international development, safeguarding, or communications and marketing, though we welcome interest from anyone who feels able to contribute.

We add trustees on a rolling basis and are flexible about start dates. To find out more, write to [email protected].

https://emms.org

11/05/2026

Today, we're delighted to welcome two new directors to the EMMS International team: : Elaine Mulcahy, Director of Communications, and Vanessa Rhazali, Director of Fundraising.

Bringing extensive experience in fundraising, communications, health, and strategic leadership, Vanessa and Elaine join EMMS International at an important time in our work. Both bring a strong commitment to improving lives, a depth of professional expertise, and a clear understanding of the importance of strong organisations in delivering meaningful change. We are excited about the insight, energy and leadership they will bring to EMMS as we continue to work alongside partners to improve health and wellbeing in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Follow the link in the comments to find out more.

01/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who has already supported our appeal. Your generosity is helping invest in the next generation of healthcare workers in Malawi. If you have not yet given, there is still time to help train more young women to serve their communities via the link below.

22/04/2026

Could you help shape the future of EMMS International? We’re seeking new trustees to join our Board as we continue working to improve healthcare and strengthen communities around the world. We’d especially love to hear from people with skills in fundraising, international development, safeguarding, or communications and marketing, though we welcome interest from anyone who feels able to contribute. We add trustees on a rolling basis and are flexible about start dates. To find out more, write to [email protected].