IHLFS is a three year scheme launched in 2009 that supports Health Links between health institutions in developing countries and the UK. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DfID) and the Department of Health (DH), it is jointly managed by THET and the British Council. The scheme aims to strengthen the capacity of health services in developing countries by providing £1.25 million each year to support the work of Health Links.
A Health Link (also known as a Link) is a formalised partnership between a health institution in a developing country and a counterpart in the UK. The purpose of a Link is to strengthen health systems and improve health service delivery in both developing and developed countries by allowing for a reciprocal transfer of skills and knowledge between people working in the healthcare sector.
What and who does the scheme support?
IHLFS supports activities that focus on training health staff and enhancing the capacity of health systems in developing countries. The Link’s activities also benefit the UK partners by developing staff skills and improving their understanding of global health issues.
The scheme focuses on Links that support priorities set out in the national health plans of target developing countries.
What opportunities are currently available?
We are currently accepting applications for Start-up Grants on an ongoing basis up until 31st August 2011. Start-up Grants are for a maximum of £3,000 and are intended to support the development of new links who are under two years old.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Start-up Grants (up to £3,000)
IHLFS focuses on Links that support priorities set out in the national health plans of target developing countries. Start-up Grants support the development of new and young links under two years old. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until 31st August 2011.
Start-up Grants are open to health institutions in the UK and the following countries:
Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam and Yemen.
Links comprising the following health institutions are eligible to apply:
Developing country partners:
•Health service institutions recognised within national or district health plans e.g. hospitals, clinics, mission hospitals, NGO or not-for-profit hospitals which are direct service providers. Please note that NGOs or not-for-profit organisations which do not provide services directly to poor people are not eligible for IHLFS funding.
•Professional Associations and Societies
•Health governing bodies e.g. ministry, department of health, district health office
•Health training institutions
Linked with one of the following:
UK partners:
•NHS institutions
•Health Professional Associations and Societies e.g. Royal Colleges
•Health governing bodies e.g. health authority links
•Registered health training institutions e.g. schools for training of medical, nursing or allied health professionals
The application must be from two or more eligible health institutions. We recognise that some institutions may prefer to ask another organisation (such as a charity set up within the institution or another organisation they work closely with) to be responsible for signing the Grant Agreement Letter with the British Council, receiving and managing funds. This is allowed.
Other organisations that are not listed can be involved in the programme (e.g. a University or an NGO) but cannot be one of the lead partners.
Private sector for-profit organisations are usually excluded from the Scheme. However, in exceptional circumstances they may be eligible provided that they can demonstrate a substantial contribution to meeting the needs of poor people. Private sector organisations in the UK are not eligible.
The following are ineligible for IHLFS funding
•Individuals
•Non-formal organisations i.e. institutions must have formal registration
If you have any doubt about the eligibility of your organisation, please e-mail HealthLinks@britishcouncil.org
Start-up Grants (up to £3,000)
To support the development of new and young Links who have been working together for less than two years. Please note that the upcoming deadline for Start-up Grant applications is 31st August 2011. Applications can be submitted and will be considered on an ongoing basis up until this date, however the activities related to these grants should be completed within a maximum of six months of contracting.
Start-up Grants are open to health organisations and institutions in all DFID’s Public Service Agreement (PSA) countries working with partner institutions in the UK. PSA countries are:
Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam and Yemen.
How to Apply
If you are applying for a Start-up Grant (up to £3,000), please complete the Start-up Grant application below:
When completing your Start-up Grant application form, please refer to the guidelines, which will help you complete your application in line with IHLFS requirements. Please do not apply for a Start-up Grant unless you have a partner in the UK. Your application will not be eligible and will be rejected.
Please check the eligibility of the Link partners before you apply. IHLFS does not fund Links between ineligible organisations. Activities must be completed within six months of contracting. Please note that the upcoming deadline for Start-up Grant applications is 31st August 2011. If you anticipate that meeting this timeframe will be difficult, please email us at HealthLinks@britishcouncil.org.
Further Information
If you have any questions about your application, please email HealthLinks@britishcouncil.org and THET or British Council will respond. Your local British Council office may also be able to help.
INFORMATION FOR CURRENT COORDINATORS
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports are an obligatory and important part of IHLFS projects which help us to ensure that everything is on track.
Please note the following progress and final report deadlines for IHLFS projects in Rounds 1, 2 and 3.
Round 1 Large Grants (Project Ref HL L.xx)
***UPCOMING DEADLINE*** The deadline for Large Grant Year 2 Progress Reports is 30th June 2011.
The deadline for Large Grant Year 2 Progress Reports is 2nd January 2012.
The deadline for Large Grant Year 3 Progress Reports is 30th June 2012.
The deadline for Large Grant Final Reports is 31st January 2013.
Round 1 Medium Grants (Project Ref HL M.xx)
The deadline for Medium Grant Final Reports is 28th February 2012.
Round 2 Project Grants (Project Ref HL P.xx)
***UPCOMING DEADLINE*** The deadline for Round 2 Project Grant Progress Reports is 30th June 2011.
The deadline for Round 2 Final Reports is 30th June 2012.
Round 3 Project Grants (Project Ref HL P3.xx)
The deadline for Round 3 Final Reports is 31st March 2012.
Please also note that you should submit a bottom-line figure of expenditure to us by 30th September 2011.
Start-up Grants (Project Ref HL S.xxx)
Please note that a Project Completion Report must be submitted within six weeks of your activities taking place.
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
All Large, Medium, and Project Grant projects should have received the following reporting template documents when their project started:
- Progress Report Template
- Approved Budget & Financial Reporting Template
Start-up Grant projects should have received the following reporting template document:
- Project Completion Report Template
If you do not have the correct documents, please contact us to request a copy.
Please ensure that the approved activities to date have been delivered as outlined in your application form, and remember that your partnership is important so the Progress Report should be a joint submission.
If you have not been able to participate in the approved activities to date and, if you have underspent, it is the British Council's discretion to request unused funds be returned.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at HealthLinks@britishcouncil.org
Moreinfo: http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-healthlinks.htm
