Purpose
Globalisation and improved connectivity are driving rapidly rising expectations across developing countries, including the healthcare sector, resulting in a growing demand for qualified medical professionals. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly evident that these countries face significant limitations in educational resources. Through its initiatives, the foundation SmW supports hospitals in Kenya and Tanzania in the implementation and sustainable use of ultrasound diagnostics.
Founding
On 26 July 2010, the tax-exempt Foundation for Medical Knowhow Transfer SmW was established. In 2023, its logo was given the slogan ‘SONO FOR AFRICA’, which provides a focused description of the foundation’s work.
Financing
The Foundation SmW raises the funds required to achieve its objectives through donations from benefactors such as businesses, other foundations, private individuals, etc.
Every franc donated goes exclusively towards running the ultrasound courses. The Foundation SmW is solely responsible for providing training and, where necessary, equipment.
To keep the experts’ travel costs low, the Foundation SmW runs courses in Africa twice a year, each lasting two consecutive weeks.
Volunteer work
Service on the Foundation Board, the management of the Foundation and the role of Executive Director, as well as the work carried out by the European lecturers, are all carried out on a voluntary basis. The only costs incurred are minimal administrative and travel expenses, which place hardly any strain on the budget.
Mission statement
Our guiding principle is based on the conviction that all peoples of the world should have the right to knowledge, technological and medical progress, and access to healthcare appropriate to their circumstances.
Foundation organisation
On 26 July 2010, Dr Walter Gysel and Simon Bücheler founded the Foundation for Medical Knowhow Transfer SmW. Walter Gysel and Karin Villabruna successfully co-led the foundation for 15 years. Since 2026, Beatrice Mosimann and Esther Trummer have taken over the leadership roles.
Partners
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks, also on behalf of our African partners and friends, to all the people and organisations that support the Foundation SmW in any way in its work for the benefit of the people of Africa.