Donating books to developing countries
- BMA/BMJ Information Fund
The BMA International Department runs the BMA/BMJ Information Fund which considers requests for health information from organisations in developing countries and other areas of need. The fund makes donations of educational materials, such as books, CD-ROMs and videos.
- Book Aid International
This is the largest disposal agency. Book Aid International "works in partnership with organisations in developing countries to support local initiatives in literacy, education, training and publishing" and "provides relevant books and information to those in greatest need - to enable people to realise their potential and contribute to the development of their communities."
BAI accepts books in primary health care, medicine, dentistry, nursing, midwifery, health education, physiotherapy and speech therapy. The last two editions of the British National Formulary are also useful.
Complete sets of The Lancet, BMJ, British Journal of Midwifery, British Journal of Nursing, Health Trends and Journal of Clinical Nursing are accepted but prospective donors should inquire whether other specific journals are useful.
- The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association (CPA)
CPA is responsible for Pharmaid, the yearly scheme whereby each November (for one week only), the two most recently obsolete editions of the BNF and the last edition of Martindale can be dropped off at any Vantage pharmacy (or the pharmacy receiving deliveries from AAH/Vantage). The books are then transported to Book Aid International for distribution to health professionals in developing countries, thus saving the donor the cost of postage.
Contact CPA or watch the health press during September for the date of Pharmaid week.
CPA also puts those wishing to donate old pharmaceutical journals in touch with pharmacy schools in developing countries.
- Education Aid
Education Aid distributes books (no more than 15 years old) and journals to developing countries. They will collect publications from organisations and individuals. Education Aid also organises special events for World Book Day on 23 April each year.
Last modified on: 21/12/2010 12:57 PM