Sadly, we cannot wave a magic wand and ensure that all pieces of medical equipment sent to the developing world are appropriate but there is an area in which we can make an immediate, quantifiable difference. For the sum of US$25,000 per (£UK 15,000) per location we can provide safe and suitable anaesthesia with the training necessary to maximise the donation. It would bring about immediate change. Women would receive the pain relief they need during birth. Children could be ventilated successfully and not die, as 40% do, within their first month of life. If power and oxygen fail anaesthesia could still be carried out successfully. Anaesthesia is identified as one of the most important factors for safe motherhood and it is time this neglected discipline was more widely recognised

Join with us and help to raise US$375,000 (£UK 225,000) to provide anaesthetic equipment in Africa and other developing countries by sponsoring US$25,000 per (£UK 15,000).