Close-up action medeor

Mr. Peruvemba, 60 years is a long time. What does today's action medeor have in common with the one from 1964?

The vision. The drive to not leave people in need to their fate, but to fight for adequate healthcare worldwide, continues to motivate us to this day.

To what extent have the demands on the work of the relief organization changed during this time?

There have been some positive developments, such as improved global access to medicines. However, not everywhere, which is why medicine aid remains an important pillar of our work. Nowadays, much more emphasis is placed on additionally promoting self-sustaining health structures in the respective countries, so that long-term improvements can be achieved.

The organization has been based in the Lower Rhine region since its founding, in a rural district of Tönisvorst. Is that an advantage or disadvantage for a globally operating health relief organization?

It is an advantage because we have strong community support in the region. This is something quite special. Many of our employees are deeply rooted in the region. Applicants from outside the area often have to Google our location first, but we can usually convince them, for example, through flexible working models.

Many positive developments in global healthcare are threatened by increasing climate disasters and armed conflicts. How do you view this development?

Of course, with concern. In many of our project countries, like Somalia or the Democratic Republic of Congo, climate-related extreme weather events are already a daily reality. Proven agricultural methods no longer work, and seemingly safe locations are suddenly affected by floods. We have to adapt to this – and we are doing so.

What can action medeor actually achieve in the face of these massive problems?

We cannot prevent war or environmental disasters. But we can – and must – be there for the people who suffer from them through no fault of their own. We are greatly helped by our extensive network of locally rooted partner organizations that know exactly where help is most needed. This allows us to provide aid in a highly targeted manner, rather than spreading it thinly.

What do you think action medeor will look like in 60 years?

If I could make a wish, it would be that action medeor is no longer needed in 60 years. Because by then, we will have succeeded in realizing the human right to health for everyone on a global scale. As long as that is not the case, we will continue to do our best to fill this gap and be there for people in need.

Mr Peruvemba, thank you very much for the interview!