Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘the right to the highest attainable standard of health’ mean, exactly?

What does Wemos want to achieve?
What is meant by a ‘health system’?

What makes Wemos different from other development aid organizations?

What does Wemos actually do?

Where does Wemos get its money?

Why isn’t Wemos more famous?

Can I do a work placement at Wemos?

How can I stay up to date on Wemos’ activities?

How can I support Wemos?

What actually happens to my financial contribution?

 

What does ‘the right to the highest attainable standard of health’ mean, exactly?

The right to optimal health is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which means that throughout the world the level of such conditions as affordable health care and adequate nutrition should be enough to allow people to enjoy a healthy and productive life. Wemos reminds politicians and policymakers of this right. Read more about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

What does Wemos want to achieve?

Wemos strives to create a world in which everyone has the optimal health to which they have a right. Wemos’ objective is to draw the government’s attention to its obligation to respect, protect and realize the right to health. Taking our themes as the basis, we present practical proposals for policy improvements which will advance the health situation worldwide. Where necessary, Wemos also addresses other parties, such as companies and international institutions. 
 

What is meant by a ‘health system’?

The World Health Organization defines a health system as the sum total of all activities directed towards strengthening, improving, or maintaining health. So a health system does much more than just provide good health care. It’s not just about providing enough health care staff and adequate amounts of materials and medicines: it’s also about communication, logistics, and consistent policy. And it’s also about public information and prevention, so that the most vulnerable groups become more aware of their rights and more willing to demand the health care to which they are entitled.

What makes Wemos different from other organizations?

Wemos sends no medicines or doctors, but works towards the structural improvement of global health. Rather than providing one-off access to drugs, for instance, Wemos works to make medicines lastingly affordable. 

What does Wemos actually do?

Wemos works to effect policy changes that have a beneficial effect on the health of people worldwide. We do this by lobbying national and international policy makers.

Where does Wemos get its money?

Why isn’t Wemos more famous?

Most Wemos supporters are tropical doctors, health professionals and medical students, and Wemos directs its campaigning and communications principally towards these groups. Wemos also works to mobilize certain groups of health care providers, such as pharmacists within the framework of the Wemos Medicines Project. Wemos’ campaign and lobby activities are always aimed at changing the minds of national and international policymakers, and this means that Wemos is less well known to the general public.

Can I do a work placement at Wemos?

Yes, you can; Wemos regularly has work placement and work experience vacancies. If you are pursuing a relevant study course, such as Health Sciences, Pharmacy or Medicine, you may well be able to join one of our project teams or even one of our partners. Other places are available for those interested in communications work. For more information, contact our communications and campaigning team (via info@wemos.nl or +31-(0)20-4352050).

How can I stay up to date on Wemos’ activities?

You can be sent our quarterly digital or paper newsletter (both in Dutch) for free by filling in the subscription form. Naturally, you can also request or download our annual reports free of charge.

How can I support Wemos?

Wemos relies increasingly on private funding. You can support Wemos by becoming a one-off or regular donor; the donor form is here. Organizations can also support Wemos, for example by organizing activities or promoting our message.

What actually happens to my financial contribution?

If you or your organization extends financial support to Wemos, then the money goes to one or more of the following activities:

• Supporting specific activities.
• Long-term support of a Wemos project: Wemos projects have a multi-year planning period. Private funds can be used for specific activities within a project plan.
• Single donations: General donations intended to support the improvement of health care in developing countries can be made here.
• Becoming a supporter: If you would like to discuss giving support to a specific activity, please contact our Communications team on +31-(0)20-4352050.

Last update: March 22, 2012