Fri, May 1st, 2020
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is invting Chamber members to take part...
When people think of the many ‘firsts’ our city has celebrated, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine might not be your immediate thought. LSTM was created by the visionary industrialists who recognised the devastating impact of tropical diseases over 120 years ago it and continues to be a world-leading centre of excellence in global health at the heart of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter.
As recent events have shown, global pandemics do not respect geographical boundaries, and a globally focused effort is needed to combat them. LSTM’s is renowned as a place where innovation can thrive; new ideas are developed; the next generation of global health leaders are trained; and where knowledge is turned into impactful healthcare. During public health crises such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, LSTM’s work has never been so important.
Researchers and staff at LSTM are working on new drugs and diagnostics for COVID-19, collaborating with major industry partners in the development of novel vaccines and even producing 3D printed face shields for the NHS. Many staff, including LSTM’s Director, are working at the frontline in our local hospitals alongside their research commitments.
Research at LSTM has never just meant working in a laboratory. Many of the team around the world are working tirelessly to minimise the impact of the pandemic on the most fragile health systems. One of these is Malawi, where LSTM has been a key partner for more than 25 years via the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome research programme (MLW). As one of the poorest countries in the world, Malawi’s health system is fragile and grossly ill-prepared for the devastation this pandemic will cause. There are less than 350 doctors for a population of 18million – just one per 50,000 people. Estimates show that 30-70% of patients aged 17-44 presenting to hospital will need oxygen; current provision means that less than 10% could be treated effectively. There are around 25 intensive care beds available for the whole country and Malawi’s President has declared a national emergency.
To support these efforts, LSTM has launched a COVID-19 Response and Resilience Fund to create vital funds that will support Malawi’s health system, enable more cutting-edge research to fight the pandemic now, and to help build resilience for the future.
They are inviting Liverpool Chamber of Commerce members to get involved by taking in the Race to Malawi Challenge. This virtual fundraising event, which will be launched on Tuesday 5 May as part of Giving Tuesday Now, a global initiative, challenges teams to walk, jog or cycle the 8,268km from Liverpool to Malawi by collectively logging their daily (socially distanced) exercise. To enter, teams need to set up a Just Giving page in support of LSTM, register contact details via fundraising@lstmed.ac.uk and then start clocking up the km and sponsorship.
This is a great opportunity to maintain team morale, support employee wellbeing and to raise money for a great cause. Any Chamber members with a company matched giving scheme are encouraged to match employee sponsorship for even greater impact.
More information about the event and appeal can be found here: www.lstmed.ac.uk/fundraising/COVID-19.