FAQs
Q.
What is the purpose of HopeXchange and what is the uniqueness of this Health Project?
A.
HopeXchange was established as a tool to promote human dignity and alleviate suffering in developing countries through education, healthcare and sustainable development.
The HopeXchange Medical Centers apply a comprehensive approach to addressing relevant healthcare challenges in resource-limited countries. It is designed as a multiphase, incremental intervention inherently adaptable to meet regional and global needs.
The Medical Centers address major burdens of disease in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central America including infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), maternal-child health (prenatal screening, nutrition and immunizations), and cancer (with a special focus on breast, cervical and prostate cancer), as well as specialized fields of medical interest such as ophthalmology, craniofacial malformations, diseases of the alimentary tract and diseases of the endocrine system.
Q.
This project looks great, but doesn’t Ghana and Guatemala have other hospitals and public healthcare?
A.
Yes, there are hospitals in Ghana and Guatemala and the respective governments have a public health department. However, Ghana has approximately 1 physician per 18,000 citizens. In Guatemala 25% of deaths are caused through communicable diseases, maternal, prenatal and nutritional conditions. In both countries access of average citizens to healthcare is difficult and not always of quality; with regards to surgical and diagnostic access, and specialties such as treatment of eye disease and cancer, it is overwhelmingly deficient. In fact, the HopeXchange Medical Centers are also a premier medical and training facilities for the entire regions.
Q.
How can poor people pay for these expensive services and who will help fund all of these amazing facilities and services?
A.
No person will be turned away due to lack of funds. However, private patients will be asked to pay according to their ability. Those who cannot pay will be treated equally to those who can.
HopeXchange relies on donations from patrons around the world for its support. Funds have been raised and spent already for the construction and equipping of Medical Centers. The local Governments of Ghana and Guatemala together with those of United States of America and Malta, NGOs, corporate bodies and individual donors will continue to be involved to fully complete, equip and operate the HopeXchange Medical Centers in these two needy regions of the world.
Q.
What can be the long term impact of such a project as this and who will be involved in operating it and overseeing its day-to-day management?
A.
For instance, in Africa malaria kills an estimated 3,000 children a day. Through proper treatment of Malaria, HIV-AIDS, Tuberculosis and Cancer, many thousands of lives can be saved. Through adequate treatment of eye disease and surgery, the HopeXchange Medical Center can give sight to thousands of Africans who needlessly go blind. In fact, 80% of the causes of blindness in Africa are preventable. The holistic approach of this facility will provide vaccination, diagnosis, surgery, education, and specialized medical treatment. Through proper pharmacy and outpatient treatments, countless will gain improved quality of life over the years.
Guatemala, according to the World Bank, has the highest rate of maternal mortality in Latin America. Such alarming figures can be attributed to the extremely low levels of prenatal and delivery care especially in rural areas. This is largely because many indigenous families lack the resources to access the state health system as well due to the discrimination, culture and language barriers coupled by geographical isolation.
A Board of Directors, including a day-to-day management team of local professionals oversee the operations of the HopeXchange Medical Centers. Full disclosure, audits and only the highest of business and medical ethics are practiced.