What is the EQUALS Initiative?

The EQUALS Initiative is comprised of physicians and clinical engineers from the HSE, with administrative support from RCPI;

• Prof Frank Murray, Former President of RCPI (2014-2017),
• Dr David Weakliam, Global Health Lead, HSE,
• Dr Diarmuid O'Donovan, Director of Public Health, HSE,
• Mr Karl Bergin, Head of Clinical Engineering, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital,
• Mr Eoghan Hayden, Head of Clinical Engineering, The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street,
• Ms Danielle Prenderville, International Affairs, RCPI 

The EQUALS Initiative Committee all have one thing in common - a passionate desire to help improve the healthcare of Zambia for the future.

Thanks to the experienced clinical engineers we have working on our Committee, and with the support of DHL/Eastway Logistics, the equipment is collected and tested for suitability. 

EQUALS donates equipment in response to local need in Zambia and adheres to WHO guidelines regarding medical device donation

Since the establishment of the Initiative in 2013, EQUALS has dispatched 2 x 40 foot containers full of decommissioned medical equipment. This equipment was comprised of ultrasound machines, beds, mattresses.

This equipment was sent to the Northern Technical College, Ndola and the Monze Mission Hospital, where it was welcomed and is in everyday use by the clinicians there. 

The relationship between Ireland and Zambia dates back to the pre-independence period of the two countries. Irish missionaries first came to Zambia in the early part of the 20th century establishing a relationship of friendship, trust and solidarity that continues to this day. 

Zambia is a landlocked country located in southern Africa with a population of approximately 14.5 million. It is around ten times the size of Ireland. Approximately 60% of the country's population live below the poverty line.

The shortage of drugs, blood products and medical supplies is a major challenge facing the health sector in Zambia. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that at least 50% of medical equipment in developing countries is out of use.

Zambia is an emerging country with a poor infrastructure of roads, telecommunications, electricity and water. Medical facilities are spread over vast distances which can be extremely difficult for patients to reach.

This is due to poor planning, inappropriate donations, inadequate budgeting, lack of training, and limited maintenance capacity.

Poverty in Zambia remains high among the rural population, especially those in the most remote and undeserved districts. EQUALS aims to deliver medical equipment and training to those in need, in an effort to make a tangible difference. 

• Population is 14.5 million, 3 times greater than Ireland but geographical area is 11 times greater.
• Life expectancy is 25 years less in Zambia than Ireland (57 vs 82 years)
• A baby born is Zambia is nearly 20 times as likely to die in the first 5 years of life than in Ireland
• A woman is 30 times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and childbirth
• 12% of adults between 15 and 49 years of age have HIV.  Without access to treatment this is inevitably fatal.
• Despite having much greater health needs, Zambia spends only one fortieth of what Ireland spends on health care

The vision of the EQUALS Initiative is that people in Zambia would have access to quality health services, which will improve health and save lives. The combined approach of equipment donation and specialist medical training will improve access to quality care through better services at the central and provincial hospitals across the country.