"I like this @MerlinUK idea. Raise your hands to support health workers around the world. Quite humbling & inspiring"
Stephen put his hand up for:
Marion Bropleh, a Nursing Director and focal point for HIV/AIDS projects from Liberia
Stephen Fry
Annie Lennox
"We are all one - working for women's rights around the world!!"
Annie put her hand up for:
Collette Botchomoli, a Matron from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Dr Pamela Stephenson
"We need to give extraordinary women like Arlette a voice. Meeting Arlette made me realise how brave these health workers are, working on the frontline everyday to save lives."
Pamela put her hand up for:
Arlette Kavira, Head Nurse from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Jeremy Gilley, founder of Peace One Day
"I'm putting my hand up for health workers. I've visited many places around the world which are very dangerous. Without health workers in these situations lives would be lost."
Jeremy put his hand up for:
Elizeous Izama Surur, a Programme Coordinator from South Sudan
Natasha Kaplinsky, Merlin patron
"I'm putting my hand up for Mama Zeena. I've been a passionate supporter of Merlin for six years and I'm proud to champion the incredible work they do"
Natasha put her hand up for:
Mama Zeena, a Midwife Training Coordinator from Liberia
Sam Roddick, Human Rights Activist
"I am supporting Maskika because I have been to the Congo and have seen the bravery of women like Maskika. She is my true hero - I admire her faith and relentless hard work under shocking conditions, she is making the world a safer place, for all of us - "
Sam put her hand up for:
Devote Maskika Mikundi, a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Field Supervisor from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Ken Livingstone
"Building basic community based health services must be a fundamental component of any efforts to improve people's lives in the poorest and most unstable countries around the world".
Ken put his hand up for:
Joseph Mungai Muigai, a Primary Health Care Coordinator from Central African Republic
Baroness Kinnock
"Health systems and health infrastructures are needed if targets on maternal mortality, infant health, TB, malaria and HIV are to be met."
Baroness Kinnock put her hand up for:
Sisto Simon Kawo, a Nurse from Sudan
Cherie Lunghi
"Thank you for all your amazing work"
Cherie put her hand up for:
Collette Botchomoli, a Matron from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Dr Chris Van Tulleken, Merlin patron
"Community health workers like Kabuo are vital: they're the bridge between village and health centre and without them, thousands of people would die"
Chris put his hand up for:
Kabuo Nyamutera, a Community health worker from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Dr Xand Van Tulleken, Merlin patron
"The more health workers we train now, the more lives we save. Well done Princess!"
Xand put his hand up for:
Princess Jobo, a Student Midwife from Liberia
British health workers
Health workers in Britain have also been inspired to take action and join the Hands Up For Health Workers campaign:
Cecylia Harvey
"Being a health worker, I understand very well how important it is to support other doctors and nurses, especially in developing countries, in their fight against poverty, preventable diseases and high mortality"
Cecylia put her hand up for:
Ohanga Luka, a Nurse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sara Agah
"I am a nurse who has the privilege of working in a country that has plenty of resources and believe that the entire world should have similar if not better access to health care"
Sara put her hand up for:
Cresencia Ngatti, an Assistant Chief Nurse from Kenya
Louise Bayne
"From one midwife to another - Prisca, you are doing an amazing thing, and will be a force for good in your wonderful country. Good luck in your training"
Louise put her hand up for:
Prisca Gohi, a Student Midwife from Liberia
Our partners
A big thanks to the following organisations for backing our campaign:
- Global Health Workforce Alliance
- Medact
- Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
- Medsin - Kings College London
- Medsin - National
- Peace One Day
- Royal College of Midwives
- Royal College of Nursing
- Students for Kids International Projects
- Student Midwives
- The Lancet Student
- The Survivors Trust
- White Ribbon Alliance
Our Campaign Ambassador
Our campaign ambassador Steve Fabes, a doctor at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, is undertaking an epic solo journey around the world… all by bicycle.
The journey is projected to take a whopping five years and aims to raise £50,000 for Merlin as well as spread the word about our campaign;
As a doctor, Steve understands the essential need for health workers;
“The chronic shortage of health workers is crippling many parts of the developing world. This, more than anything, inspired me to take action”
Press
Contact the press office now for key spokespeople and case studies on 020 7014 1703.
