Malawi healthcare in £1m funding boost by Scots richest woman

Scotland’s richest woman, Ann Gloag,  has donated £1 million aiming to improve healthcare in Malawi .

The  Scottish tycoon gave the money to St Andrews University’s new Global Health Implementation programme.

Gloag, co-founder of transport company Stagecoach and former Businesswoman of the Year, announced the funding package on Tuesday.

The Global Health Implementation initiative is a joint venture between the College of Medicine in Malawi, the University of Malawi and St Andrews University’s medical school.

The programme’s immediate aim is to make a difference on the ground in Malawi by researching ways to convert theoretical solutions into delivered practice; and supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure, professional education and service delivery with partners in Malawi.

The programme will also work to identify approaches with wider applicability both regionally and throughout the developing world by translating theory into working solutions – identifying ways around the barriers that currently prevent the implementation of known best practice.

Gloag said she was  “delighted” to support the Global Health Implementation programme.,

She said: “I firmly believe the developing world needs people delivering practical solutions on the ground and this programme aims to do that.

“Enabling the poorest countries in Africa to raise themselves out of poverty must be a priority for the future and helping with healthcare infrastructure is a critical step in this process.

“Having worked in Malawi since the 1980s, I am fully aware of the challenges of turning theories into practical solutions on the ground, but it can be done.”