INTERNATIONAL HEALTHCARE SOLIDARITY – FOLIGNO RESPONDS

International healthcare solidarity: training to empower local areas

On Friday 12 December at Foligno hospital an important conference was held on international healthcare solidarity, a key issue for the future of cooperation between healthcare systems and for the development of truly sustainable interventions in the most vulnerable areas.

The meeting was attended by the Director General of USL Umbria 2, Dr Noto, the director of Foligno hospital Dr Rossi, the municipal councillor for citizenship rights of Foligno City Schiarea, Dr Berloco of the Order of Malta, Dr Zampolini, head of Neurorehabilitation of Foligno hospital, Dr Radicioni and Dr Scarpignato of the pediatrics department of Foligno hospital, who followed the case of little Lewi William, providing valuable professional and personal testimonies, the Mayor of Trevi Ferdinando Gemma, the head of intensive neuromotor rehabilitation of Trevi hospital Dr Baratta, and Dr Lolli former head of the emergency department of Foligno hospital.

The conference emphasised a key principle: international health cooperation cannot be limited to sending aid or emergency interventions, but must focus on training local health workers so that the areas involved can become autonomous over time and capable of responding to the needs of their own populations.

In his speech, Dr Noto emphasised that healthcare cooperation is an ethical and professional responsibility for more structured healthcare systems, reiterating the importance of sharing skills, knowledge and best practices. Effective cooperation, he explained, is that which builds lasting relationships and invests in people.

Dr Zampolini highlighted the value of training in the field, explaining how the transfer of specialist skills – particularly in complex areas such as neurorehabilitation – can make a difference in improving the quality of care and continuity of care in the most disadvantaged contexts.

Particularly touching were the testimonies of the doctors who treated little Lewi William, a concrete example of how collaboration between professionals, institutions and different countries can save lives and build bridges of solidarity that transcend geographical boundaries.

It emerged strongly that international health cooperation is much more than just aid: it is a complex and profound practice, based on solidarity, cultural curiosity and what has been defined as a true “moral duty of restitution”. A commitment that aims not only to treat, but also to leave behind skills, tools and professionalism capable of generating long-term development and autonomy.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity for discussion and reflection, reaffirming how healthcare can and should be an instrument of justice, cooperation and humanity.