British medical aid agency Merlin welcomes a new report, published today by former NHS chief executive Lord Nigel Crisp, which urges the UK Government to do more to support health systems in developing countries.

Carolyn Miller, Merlin's Chief Executive, said: "Merlin welcomes the recommendation that the NHS should assist in and coordinate the release of staff in response to humanitarian emergencies. As a medical relief agency, Merlin recognises the difficulty in recruiting international staff to work in difficult environments at short notice. Giving NHS staff the option of working overseas without losing benefits or risking their careers would make it significantly easier for Merlin to recruit staff for emergency responses.

"Of course, emergencies are not just about short term relief, as they also provide the opportunity to strengthen health systems for the long term. We therefore welcome the report's emphasis on the education and training of health workers in developing countries, and would like to see particular support provided by the UK to fragile states where governments lack the capacity or will to provide even a basic health service.

"One example is Liberia, where there are currently only about 25 doctors for a population of three million people, and where the government is struggling to maintain training courses for key staff such as physician assistants. At a conference which opens in Washington today, donors and governments including the UK are meeting to discuss Liberia's economic reform programme and development needs for the future. Human resources for health will need to be high on the agenda if Liberia is to make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.

"Lord Crisp's report demonstrates the critical role that the UK has to play in helping countries like Liberia meet the Millennium Development Goals, and is an important first step in addressing this need."

Merlin was one of a number of agencies consulted for Lord Crisp's report, Global Health Partnerships: The UK contribution to health in developing countries, which was commissioned by the UK Government.

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For further information, or to arrange an interview with a Merlin spokesperson, contact:

Ju-Lin Tan

Senior Communications Officer, Merlin

12th Floor, 207 Old Street

London EC1V 9NR

Tel: +44 (0)20 7014 1702

Out of office hours: +44 (0)7092 382421

Email: ju-lin.tan@merlin.org.uk

Notes to media:

The full report, Global Health Partnerships: The UK contribution to health in developing countries, can be downloaded from: http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4143084&chk=uhVU3O

Merlin is the only specialist UK charity which responds worldwide with vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people caught up in natural disasters, conflict, disease and health system collapse. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries.

www.merlin.org.uk