Latest News

New Bridgestone partnership launched at Jerez MotoGP™

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:35:00 GMT

Bridgestone Motorsport hosted a reception on Saturday 4th May at Bridgestone Hospitality at the Jerez MotoGP™ to celebrate a new partnership with Riders for Health to support their lifesaving work in Africa.

Riders for Health manage motorcycles and ambulances for health-focused partners in sub-Saharan Africa enabling them to deliver vital health care to remote rural communities. Now with the support of Bridgestone – the world’s largest tyre company - Riders will be able to get even more health workers on the road in Africa.

Bridgestone will provide tyres for the fleet of vehicles managed by Riders for Health in Africa, and will also support Riders’ fundraising and promotional activities throughout the MotoGP season.

The event at Jerez was open to the media and included speeches from Riders for Health co-founders, Andrea Coleman and Randy Mamola, and Carmine Moscaritolo from Bridgestone.

Speaking about this exciting new partnership, Andrea (pictured above, second from left, with Kyota Futami and Hiroshi Yamada from Bridgestone, and Riders' event manager Jeanete Wragg) said ‘The partnership with Bridgestone is important and significant. The MotoGP paddock has long supported Riders for Health, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for our life-saving work across Africa. Now Bridgestone, MotoGP and Riders are showing that tyres are as critical a factor at the highest level of motor sport as they are to reaching the worlds’ most neglected people with health care.

‘With partners like this, combined with the skill of Riders’ African colleagues we are closer to seeing a world where health care reaches everyone, everywhere.’

Riders' work featured in leading social enterprise report

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Riders for Health’s work has been highlighted in a report ‘The art and science of delivery’ as an example of how social enterprise can transform development.

The report, published by McKinsey & Company, marks the 10th anniversary of the Skoll World Forum, where Riders’ co-founder and CEO, Andrea Coleman, featured on a panel discussion on how social entrepreneurs can use earned revenue models to support their long-term sustainability.

In her introduction to the report, Sally Osberg, president and CEO of the Skoll Foundation wrote ‘The story of Riders for Health is a story of social entrepreneurship. An opportunity, in the guise of an apparently intractable problem, attracted the attention of individuals of exceptional creativity, drive, and commitment, who brought about large-scale change by disrupting conventional wisdom and mobilizing a broad range of actors to deliver results.’

By looking at the key issue of delivery, the report focuses on the key challenge that Riders for Health addresses: how do we make sure that health care – or education, or economic development – reaches those who need it.

To read more about how Riders for Health mobilises health care workers so they can reach the people who need them, click here.

To read ‘The art and science of delivery’, click here.

Day of Champions tickets are on sale now.

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:49:00 GMT

Tickets for Day of Champions 2013 are on sale now from www.silverstone.co.uk announce Riders for Health, the official charity of MotoGP™.

Day of Champions is one of the best days out in British motorsport and takes place on Thursday 29th August, before the British MotoGP™ at Silverstone.

Tickets start at just £15 – the same price as in previous years – and with children 15 and under going free, it is a great day out for the whole family. To book your tickets, visit www.silverstone.co.uk or call the Silverstone ticket line 0844 3750 500.

The MotoGP season got under way with an incredibly exciting opening race and fans can expect a sensational seven months of racing ahead. And, when MotoGP comes to Silverstone, what better way to start your British MotoGP weekend than at Day of Champions? For fans of motorcycle racing it is a highlight of the calendar and, most importantly, all of the money raised makes a huge difference to Riders’ lifesaving work in Africa.

Day of Champions is the perfect chance to see the stars of MotoGP when the riders take to the stage to take part in the Riders for Health auction, where there will be chance to bid on some fantastic pieces of signed memorabilia and fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The auction is a spectacular end to a day that includes stunt shows, live music, interviews and lots more. With paddock and pit-lane tickets, there will even be the opportunity to experience behind the scenes of the world’s premier motorcycle racing series as MotoGP teams and riders prepare for the weekend ahead.

If you are planning on arriving by motorcycle, why not take part in our ride-in to Silverstone? Leaving from the Heritage Motor Centre motor museum in Gaydon, you and your fellow bikers will ride in convoy before completing two laps of the famous Northamptonshire circuit.

Make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic experience - to buy your ticket visit www.silverstone.co.uk or call 0844 3750 500, from 12 noon Monday 22nd April onwards.

Last year, Day of Champions raised an incredible total of over £250,000 thanks to the generosity of Riders’ supporters. This has helped to mobilise more health workers across Africa with motorcycles so that they can deliver vital health care to millions of people living in isolated rural communities.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited comments ‘We are delighted to be working with Riders for Health again this year, enabling them to generate more funds for their valuable work in Africa. Opening the venue on Thursday gives people a fantastic opportunity to get closer to the sport and our event date this year coincides with the school holidays which will make it easier for young fans to come and enjoy the day.’

Andrea Coleman, CEO and co-founder of Riders for Health adds, ‘We would like to thank Silverstone, MotoGP and all of the race teams and riders for supporting Riders for Health again this year. Day of Champions is always a highlight of the year for us, seeing thousands of fans of the sport come together to raise money and help ensure that health care reaches the people who need it in Africa.’

Why not keep up-to-date with all of the latest news by following the special Day of Champions Twitter feed www.twitter.com/dayofchampions?

Ticket details:
Entertainment zone: £15 in advance (£18 on the gate), Ticket includes: access to Silverstone, the stage show, live music, interviews, stunt shows, and the Riders for Health auction. Children 15 and under go free!

Paddock and pit-lane tickets: £50 (£35 paddock pass + £15 Ent Zone ticket). These exclusive passes give access to the paddock and pit-lane from 11am – 3pm, giving you the chance to experience behind the scenes of MotoGP as the teams and riders prepare for the race weekend. Tickets also include entry to the entertainment zone and auction. Children 15 and under: £15 (£15 paddock pass + free Ent Zone ticket).

Ride-in: £70 per rider (£35 ride-in and Ent Zone + £35 paddock pass). Ticket includes: a place on the ride-in, breakfast and two laps of the circuit. Ticket also includes paddock and pit-lane access, plus entertainment zone and auction. Rider + pillion: £130; rider + child pillion: £90. Includes two paddock passes and two entertainment zone tickets.

Visit the Jerez MotoGP™ paddock and raise money for Riders for Health

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:21:52 GMT

Riders for Health and MotoGP™ are offering fans a unique chance to discover the exclusive paddock at Jerez circuit on Thursday 2nd May to raise money for organisations lifesaving work in Africa.

What better way to start your Spanish MotoGP weekend than with exclusive access to the paddock and pit-lane just a day before practise begins for the Gran Premio bwin de España MotoGP race?

Tickets cost £72 (€85) and include lunch and access to the paddock and pit-lane from 12.00-6.00pm. Numbers are extremely limited and these tickets are not on sale anywhere else so make sure you don’t miss out. Email samlyon43@hotmail.com to reserve yours today.

What’s more, there will be the chance to enter a raffle for a pair of paddock passes for Saturday 4th May. Raffle tickets cost just £1.70 (€2) and will be drawn at midday on Thursday 2nd May. The winning pair will enjoy access to the paddock and pit-lane from 9.00am-7.00pm.

Riders for Health is the official charity of MotoGP. Riders provide health workers in Africa with motorcycles so that they can reach remote communities with vital health care.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, email samlyon43@hotmail.com with your name and telephone number.

Riders for Health’s BMF ride-in route announced

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:51 GMT

Off-road biking legend, Patsy Quick, will lead a mass motorcycle ride on Saturday 18th May to the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) Show at Peterborough Arena to support Riders for Health.

Meeting at the Super Sausage Café on the A5 near Towcester from 8am for registration and breakfast, the ride-in will leave at 9.30am taking a scenic, cross-country route to the Peterborough Arena (formerly the East of England Showground) arriving at the BMF Show for 11am.

The ride-in will be led by Patsy Quick, the first British woman to complete the legendary Dakar Rally. Prior to her achievement in the famous desert endurance race, Patsy was both British and European Women’s Enduro Champion. Now Patsy is supporting Riders for Health to help mobilise health workers in Africa with reliable motorcycles so that they can reach remote communities with lifesaving health care.

Spaces are limited so participation on the ride-in will be decided on a first come, first served basis and a £5 donation to Riders for Health will be encouraged. Everyone taking part will need to be registered and given a Riders for Health bib to wear.

The ride-in route will cover approximately 50 miles passing through picturesque towns and villages such as Castlethorpe, Olney, Bozeat, Rushden, Thrapston and Oundle. On arrival at the BMF Show, the group will have a photo opportunity with Patsy, before being directed to the bike parking area.

Tickets for the BMF Show will be available to buy on the gate but, please note, they will be more expensive than pre-booked tickets. Find out more here.

Riders for Health have teamed up with the BMF in the hope of introducing many more people to the charities’ lifesaving work. The BMF Show in May is Europe’s largest outdoor motorcycle show, with over 40,000 people expected to attend over the weekend. Riders will have a stand in the new Adventure and Overland Touring area with their off-road fundraising ride to Zambia, Experience Africa. For your chance to win a free place on this once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle adventure, visit Riders for Health’s stand to buy a ticket for just £1.

Riders for Health is the official charity of the Fédération Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) and MotoGP. The organisation provides health workers in Africa with reliable vehicles, enabling them to deliver vital health care to isolated communities on a regular basis. Riders also teaches health workers to ride safely in the difficult terrain and local men and women are trained to maintain the vehicles so that they never break down.

Patsy Quick’s off-road motorcycle school, Desert Rose Racing, was set up to help other riders to achieve their rally dreams. For more information, click here.

Notes:

The postcode for the meeting point - Super Sausage Café - is NN12 7QD.
All participants must have valid UK licence and provide their own helmet and protective clothing.
Riders for Health’s ride-in does not offer automatic entry to the BMF Show, a valid ticket must be purchased, either in advance or on the gate.
On arrival participants will be directed by marshalls to the main bike parking area, participants will not be able to ride onto the event site.

Importance of transport to health in Africa recognised by leading US University

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:36:40 GMT

A leading university has recognised the vital role of transport and social enterprise to transforming health care in rural Africa. The Centre for Advancement in Social Entrepreneurship at Duke University, North Carolina, has named Riders for Health winner of the CASE Award for Enterprising Social Innovation.

By focusing on the fundamental building blocks of health care – transport, maintenance and skills – Riders for Health is helping to build strong, effective health systems and making sure health care reaches 12 million people across Africa.

The CASE Award recognises outstanding individuals, organisations or companies whose innovations blend methods from the worlds of business and philanthropy to create sustainable social value that has the potential for large-scale impact. The award is granted by a committee of CASE faculty, staff and students.

Riders for Health is an international social enterprise that manages and maintains vehicles for health-focused partners in sub-Saharan Africa which enables health workers to deliver vital health care to rural communities on a reliable and cost-effective basis.

Riders for Health manages over 1,400 motorcycles, ambulances and other four-wheel vehicles used in the delivery of health care in seven countries. By working with ministries of health, international and African non-governmental organisations, private-sector organisations and local community-based organisations Riders for Health is mobilising health workers and making sure they can reach even the most remote communities.

As a social enterprise Riders for Health prioritises how money can work differently in development and the organisation’s groundbreaking not-for profit financial model ensures partners can budget effectively and transparently for transport. It also makes the system a corruption-proof solution for donors and ensures the sustainability of their programmes.

Barry and Andrea Coleman, co-founders of Riders for Health, will accept the ESI award on Thursday, April 4th in Fuqua’s Geneen Auditorium, where they will talk about the vital need to improve transport to make sure health reaches people who need it in rural Africa, and the role that social enterprise can play in making a lasting difference to development.

Riders for Health and Bridgestone team up to improve health services in Africa

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Riders for Health are proud to announce a partnership with Bridgestone, the world’s largest tyre company, to support our lifesaving humanitarian efforts to improve health care across Africa.

Riders for Health manage motorcycles and ambulances for health-focused partners in sub-Saharan Africa. Now, with Bridgestone’s support, Riders will be able to mobilise more health workers enabling them to deliver vital health care to remote rural communities.

Bridgestone will provide tyres for the fleet of vehicles managed by Riders for Health in Africa, and will also support Riders’ fundraising and promotional activities throughout the MotoGP™ season.

Speaking about this exciting new partnership, Riders’ CEO and co-founder Andrea Coleman announced ‘The partnership with Bridgestone is important and significant. The MotoGP paddock has long supported Riders for Health, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for our life-saving work across Africa. Now Bridgestone, MotoGP and Riders are showing that tyres are as critical a factor at the highest level of motor sport as they are to reaching the worlds’ most neglected people with health care.

'With partners like this, combined with the skill of Riders’ African colleagues we are closer to seeing a world where health care reaches everyone, everywhere.’

Bridgestone Motorsport Manager Hiroshi Yamada added ‘Both Bridgestone and Riders for Health have enjoyed a long and successful association with MotoGP and to support them in their great work makes sense on many levels.

‘Central to Bridgestone’s corporate philosophy is supporting those who are socially vulnerable, and by working together with Riders for Health I feel we can create a real positive change in the global community. It pleases me that Bridgestone and Riders for Health are able to use the popularity of MotoGP to help improve the lives of people in Africa and show that while for most people motorcycling may be a mode of transport, in the right hands a motorcycle can be used to help save lives.’

Riders receive support from the Vintage Motorcycle Festival

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:30:00 GMT

Riders for Health is proud to have been chosen as the official charity of the Vintage Motorcycle Festival, which will take place on August 24th and 25th at LeMay - America’s Car Museum (ACM) in Tacoma, Washington.

Burt Richmond, chairman of the Vintage Motorcycle Festival said ‘For over 20 years, Riders for Health have been using fleets of motorcycles to reach millions of people across Africa with lifesaving health care. We’re delighted to support this vital cause.’

Now in its second year, the Vintage Motorcycle Festival is one of the signature events at the museum attracting thousands of enthusiasts. Riders for Health will have a stand and help judge a motorcycle competition and famous manufacturers such as BMW, Ducati and Triumph will be in attendance. You can find out more and buy your tickets here.

As the official charity of MotoGP™ and the FIM, Riders receives incredible support from motorcycling communities all over the world. Riders’ co-founder and CEO Andrea Coleman said ‘We are extremely grateful for this recognition and support from the Vintage Motorcycle Festival and ACM, which will introduce many more people to our vital work and help us continue to show that motorcycles save lives.

'With any support that Riders for Health receives, we make sure that it goes a long way to helping people in remote communities access the kind of basic health care services that we take for granted.’

Riders for Health MotoGP™ paddock pass auction returns for 2013

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:44:00 GMT

Another exciting MotoGP™ season is just weeks away and to get the Championship off to the best start, Riders for Health and MotoGP are offering fans the chance to bid for premium paddock passes for every race on the calendar in a series of eBay auctions. The auctions will raise money for Riders for Health, the official charity of MotoGP, to support their lifesaving work in Africa.

With several new additions to the 2013 Championship including new faces, a new circuit and a new qualifying format which promises to liven things up for the fans, this is a MotoGP season you will not want to miss. Forget watching the race at home on the sofa, the winning bidders and their guests will spend the whole GP weekend in the exclusive MotoGP paddock.

Each race has its own auction so you can bid for your favourite round. The online auction for the first race in Qatar opens on Tuesday 12th March and will last for 10 days. For your chance to be at the heart of the action for the season’s opening race, visit Riders for Health’s eBay shop from 12th – 22nd March to place your bid.

These passes aren’t on sale anywhere else so bidders can be sure they will have a truly exclusive experience. What’s more, all the money raised from the sale of the passes will support Riders for Health’s lifesaving work in Africa.

In 2012, the auction of MotoGP paddock passes raised an unbelievable £20,000 helping Riders to mobilise more health workers with motorcycles so that they can reach millions of people across rural Africa with vital health care. Support from MotoGP and its fans helps Riders for Health to save lives.

Please note: the auctions are for paddock passes only and do not include flights or accommodation. These paddock passes allow access to the race circuit and paddock for the whole race weekend, they do not give access to any hospitality suites or grandstands. For more information please email rfh@riders.org

Full list of GPs and the eBay auction start and end dates:

Losail, Qatar 12th March - 22nd March

Austin, USA 26th March - 5th April

Jerez, Spain 9th April - 19th April

Le Mans, France 23rd April - 3rd May

Mugello, Italy 7th May - 17th May

Catalunya, Spain 21st May - 31st May

Assen, Netherlands 4th June - 14th June

Sachsenring, Germany 18th June - 28th June

Laguna Seca, USA 25th June - 5th July

Mazda Raceway, USA 23rdJuly - 2nd August

Brno, Czech Republic 30th July - 9th August

Silverstone, UK 6th August - 16th August

Misano, Italy 20th August - 30th August

Aragon, Spain 3rd September - 13th September

Sepang, Malaysia 17th September - 27th September

Phillip Island, Australia 24th September - 4th October

Motegi, Japan 1st October - 11th October

Valencia, Spain 15th October - 25th October

Off-road biking legend Patsy Quick supports Riders

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:23:40 GMT

The off-road motorcycle racer, most famous for being the first British woman to complete the gruelling Dakar Rally, is supporting Riders for Health at the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) show 18th – 19th May.

Patsy Quick became the first British woman to complete the legendary desert endurance race, the Dakar Rally, in 2006. Her incredible achievement came after three unsuccessful attempts, one of which cost Patsy her spleen. Prior to the Dakar, Patsy was both British and European Women’s Enduro Champion.

Now Patsy is supporting other women who are achieving incredible feats with motorcycles. In Africa, Riders for Health trains female health workers to ride confidently and safely in the difficult terrain to deliver life-saving health care to remote rural villages. Riders also trains and employs local people as technicians to service the bikes on a regular basis so that they never break down, no matter how harsh the conditions.

Patsy will lead a ride-in on behalf of Riders for Health to the BMF Show at Peterborough Arena (formerly the East of England Showground) on 18th May.

There will be the opportunity for members of the public to join the ride en-route. Further details on how to book tickets and the route will be released nearer the time on the BMF and Riders for Health websites.

‘I think that the work Riders for Health does is vital to the continued health of people in developing countries,’ explained Patsy. ‘It’s amazing to think how many lives in Africa have been saved by a motorcycle.’

At the May BMF Show, Patsy will be helping Riders for Health to promote our off-road fundraising ride to Zambia, Experience Africa.

Experience Africa is more than an off-road motorcycle tour. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the inspiring work being done in Zambia by Riders for Health and see how motorcycles are saving lives in Africa. What’s more, the money raised from the ride helps to support their humanitarian work.

Riders for Health are running a raffle at all of the events we are attending this year to give away a free place on one of the 2014 Experience Africa rides. For your chance to win this incredible prize worth £4,800, visit Riders for Health’s stand in the new Adventure and Overland area at the May BMF Show or at the BMF Tailend Show (14th – 15th September) and buy a ticket for just £1.

You can also buy tickets at The BMF Kelso Bikefest, British Superbikes races, Day of Champions and the British MotoGP and World Superbike races at Silverstone. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Tailend Show on Sunday 15th September at Peterborough Arena.

Riders for Health is the official charity of MotoGP™ and the Fédération Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM). The organisation provides health workers in Africa with motorcycles so that they can reach remote villages with vital health care.

Patsy now runs her own off-road motorcycle school, Desert Rose Racing, helping other riders to achieve their rally dreams.

Riders for Health receive support from The Royal College of Surgeons

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:45:00 GMT

Riders for Health is proud to have been chosen as the adopted charity of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) for 2013.

Founded in 1505, the RCSEd is one of the oldest surgical corporations in the world. It is dedicated to promoting the highest standards in surgical education, training and clinical practice.
During the next year RCSEd staff will help raise funds for Riders through an exciting events programme.

RCSEd President, Mr Ian Ritchie said ‘The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is delighted to support Riders for Health as our charity for 2013. For rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa, Riders for Health provide a vital link to healthcare services.’

Riders’ teams in seven countries in Africa are managing over 1,400 motorcycles, ambulances and other four-wheel vehicles used to deliver health care.

As one of the world’s leading groups of surgeons, the RCSEd’s members know how important it is that health care reaches the people who need it. By supporting Riders for Health the RCSEd has recognised the vital role that the organisation is playing in making sure health workers can reach people in even the most isolated communities.

Riders’ fundraising and communications director Stephen Harvey said ‘We are very grateful to the RCSEd for their support. To be recognised by this great medical institution is an honour and I hope that this is the start of a great relationship. With their support we can realise our vision of a world in which healthcare reaches everyone, everywhere.’

If you would like to make a donation to support our work please click here or find out more about our corporate partnerships by clicking here.

Win a place on Experience Africa with Riders for Health raffle

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:35:00 GMT

Riders for Health are launching their most exciting raffle yet to give away a free place on Experience Africa, Riders off-road adventure ride to Zambia in 2014. The raffle, which will be launched at MCN Motorcycle Show 15th-17th February, will raise money for the organisations’ life-saving work in Africa.

Experience Africa is more than an off-road motorcycle ride. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the inspiring work being done in Zambia by Riders for Health, the official charity of MotoGP™, and see how motorcycles are saving lives in Africa.

For your chance to win this incredible prize worth £4,800, visit Riders for Health’s stand A225 at Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show at Excel, London to buy a ticket for just £1.

Riders will also be selling raffle tickets at all of the events they are attending in 2013, including British Superbikes races, British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) shows, Day of Champions and the British MotoGP and World Superbike races at Silverstone.

The raffle will be drawn at the BMF Tailend show, 14th- 15th September, at the Peterborough Arena (formally the East of England Showground).

The lucky winner will join a small group of participants on either the May or November 2014 Experience Africa ride. Riders of all experience levels enjoy Experience Africa and there is lots of off-road training and support available. Find out more by clicking here or speak to one of the team by calling 01604 889569.

The money raised from the sale of the raffle tickets will directly support Riders for Health’s programmes in Africa. Riders ensures health workers in Africa always have access to a vehicle which never breaks down, no matter how harsh the conditions. By training health workers to ride safely and carry out daily checks on their vehicle, Riders for Health makes sure they can deliver health care, reliably, to even the remotest community.

Riders at MCN Motorcycle Show

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:18:00 GMT

Riders for Health will be at the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show from 15th-17th February where we will be launching a brand new raffle and auctioning signed racing memorabilia and exclusive MotoGP™ tickets.

If you are coming to the MCN Motorcycle Show at Excel, London this weekend make sure you visit Riders for Health on stand A225 to buy a raffle ticket. For just £1 a ticket you have the chance to win a place on Experience Africa, Riders’ off-road motorcycle adventure ride to Zambia, worth £4,800!

Experience Africa is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the inspiring work being done in Zambia by Riders for Health, the official charity of MotoGP, and see how motorcycles are saving lives in Africa.

On Sunday at 11.45am on the main Revolution Stage, Eurosport presenter and Riders’ supporter Toby Moody will be hosting an auction to raise money for our life-saving work in Africa.

Make sure you don’t miss it for your chance to win a Valentino Rossi signed print, hospitality by World Superbike team Crescent FIXI Suzuki or weekend tickets for the British MotoGP at Silverstone plus the chance to cycle the famous circuit with Cal Crutchlow!

Experience Africa ride leader, Gary Taylor, will also be talking to former British biker, Neil Hodgson, and motorsport commentator, Barry Nutley, on the Adventure Stage throughout the weekend. As Riders’ training manager and Experience Africa ride leader, it’s Gary’s job to find the most exiting but safest routes through the rural Zambian landscape during the nine day adventure.

To find out more about the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show and book your tickets, click here.

Project to improve health care for thousands in rural Nigeria

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:41:00 GMT

Riders for Health has launched a new lifesaving service that will improve access to health care for people living in remote communities in Taraba state.

The new programme is funded by the TY Danjuma Foundation, who has provided N20m (US$127,000) which will see Riders for Health mobilise six Community Health Extension Workers in Zing and Lau Local Government Authorities.

Riders for Health will use six new motorcycles which will allow the health workers to make weekly visits to the communities in their area, ensuring more equity in health care delivery between rural and urban areas.

This new programme will improve access to health care for an area over 2,500km2, and a population of over 235,000 people.

A central part of the programme will see Riders for Health establish a vehicle maintenance unit in Taraba guaranteeing the vehicles are correctly maintained throughout their lifespan. Two additional motorcycles will ensure that Riders for Health’s technicians can provide regular outreach servicing on the motorcycles, ensuring the vehicles do not break down and the health worker’s work is never interrupted.

Ahead of the launch of this new programme, Riders for Health’s country director in Nigeria, Effiom Nyong Effiom said: ‘This partnership presents an opportunity for Riders for Health in Nigeria to bring innovation to health care delivery for the last mile in Nigeria. The TY Danjuma Foundation is strong in advancing community health initiatives and is a vital partner for this purpose. This grant will go a long way to changing what has been previously accepted as norm in health care delivery in rural areas, and will allow us to transform people’s lives in rural areas’.

Attending the launch, Riders for Health’s chief operating officer, Vinay Nagaraju said ‘Over the last two decades Riders for Health has mobilised thousands of health workers in remote parts of Africa to improve access to health care. It is a milestone for our organisation to be able to expand our work in Nigeria into Taraba. We hope that the impact that reliable transport has on health care will give us the opportunity to replicate our work in other parts of the country.

Riders for Health manages over 135 vehicles in Nigeria and has seven vehicles maintenance units across the six geopolitical zones. Riders for Health partners with local and international organisations, maintaining their vehicles and expanding their reach, and have recently launched a pilot partnership to manage last-mile distribution of drugs direct from the regional medical store to health facilities.

The impact of this latest project will play an important role in expanding Riders for Health’s work in the country and improving access to health care for millions of people.

Riders for Health in top five most effective health NGOs

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:26:00 GMT

Riders for Health have been named one of the world’s five most effective non-governmental organisations working in health by the Global Journal in their list of top 100 NGOs.

As well as being listed as the fifth most effective organisation in the ‘health’ category, the Global Journal identified Riders for Health as having the seventh best innovation, as well as placing them at number 31 in their overall list of most effective organisations.

Riders for Health is supported by motorcyclists around the world and is the official charity of both MotoGP and the FIM. Global Journal has now recognised the essential role of the organisation’s work on health care in Africa. By mobilising health care workers with reliable, well maintained motorcycles and four wheeled vehicles Riders for Health are ensuring health care reaches remote communities regularly and predictably. It is, as the Global Journal explains, ‘the “last mile” of health care delivery’.

This is the second edition of the Global Journal’s list of leading non-governmental organisations, and the first time that Riders for Health has been listed among them. Riders for Health’s co-founder, and CEO, Andrea Coleman said ‘I am very proud that Riders has been recognised in this list of incredible organisations. By naming Riders for Health among the top five in the health category, Global Journal has rightfully shown that transport is a vital part of health care. The hard work and commitment of our teams in Africa, and of our supporters around the world, is making a huge impact to the lives of millions of people in remote communities’.

Andrea added: ‘It is also very encouraging to see so many of our partners among this list of outstanding NGOs. The work that they do is extraordinary and I am pleased that we can help them to reach more people in remote communities.’

Its criteria for ranking organisations were based on innovation, impact and sustainability - three ideas that are at the heart of Riders for Health’s work. By introducing an innovative system of maintaining vehicles in rural communities, and ensuring replacement parts are distributed to where they are needed means that Riders are improving access to health care for over 12 million people across Africa. With a reliable motorcycle a health worker can reach six times as many people in remote communities with regular health care.

Riders’ work is also based on innovation in how they finance their programmes. The not-for profit approach is based on calculating the cost for each kilometre every vehicle travels. This ensures partners can budget effectively and is designed to maintain the sustainability of the programme so health care always reaches everyone who needs it.

Riders for Health’s innovative system for managing vehicles in rural communities, along with its groundbreaking funding model was developed by Riders’ co-founder and executive director, Barry Coleman, who said ‘Managing vehicles so they don’t break down is systematic, it can be done anywhere in the world whatever the conditions. There should be no excuses for vehicles breaking down in Africa because when it isn’t done, the billions of dollars the world spends on health care do not reach the people who need it.’

Set yourself a New Year challenge and support Riders for Health

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:45:00 GMT

January is the best time to put your New Year’s resolutions into action. If you’re looking to get fit or take on a new challenge why not sign up for the 2013 Brighton Marathon on Sunday 14 April? Your fundraising will make a huge difference to our African programmes and you’ll be spreading the word about our work too.

We have six places left, so if you would like to take part this year, contact our fundraising officer, Elizabeth, at edunn@riders.org.

Since it started in 2010, the Brighton Marathon has grown to be the second largest marathon in the UK, and it draws large crowds who create a great atmosphere on the day.

By taking part in sponsored events like the Brighton Marathon you are helping Riders get more health workers on the road across Africa. It is not uncommon for health workers in rural areas to be faced with marathon distances to reach the isolated communities in their care. By supporting Riders you will be helping make sure this distance does not stop people receiving the health care they need.

To book your place in the Brighton Marathon or to find out about the many other ways you can get involved with Riders, contact edunn@riders.org.

New centre to boost road safety in the Gambia

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:45:00 GMT

A new training centre opened by Riders for Health in The Gambia will help train more health workers in riding and driving and improve road safety.

The opening ceremony for the new centre, which has been funded in collaboration with the British High Commission, took place at Riders for Health’s head office in Kanifing on Tuesday 15 January.

Road safety is a huge issue in developing countries. According to the Make Roads Safe campaign, road crashes are the leading global cause of death for young people aged 10-24. By 2015 they are predicted to be the leading cause of premature death and disability for children in developing countries aged five and above.

The World Health Organization states that 90-95% of accidents are caused by driver behaviour, so one of the keys to improving road safety is through training road users.

Rider and driver training is central to all of Riders for Health’s programmes, and this new centre in The Gambia will help to build the skills of vehicle users and will contribute to improved driver and rider skills and, in turn, their behaviour on the road, saving lives.

‘Having reliable transport is vital if health workers are to reach people in rural communities. But it is crucial that they are safe while they are on the road. That is why training is at the heart of Riders for Health’s work. Road accidents are one the biggest causes of premature death in Africa. This new centre will help us to improve the driving skills of people from across the Gambia,’ said Riders for Health country director, Therese Drammeh.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, as well as senior members of the Health Ministry, other senior government officials, as well as representatives of national and international NGOs, and Managing Directors from the GT Bank. Also in attendance were, representatives of the British High Commission, Claire Perry MP, Riders for Health co-founders, Andrea and Barry Coleman, as well as the senior management and Board of Directors of Riders for Health’s programme in The Gambia.

The new centre contains a classroom for formal rider and driver training and will also consist of a conference room, and an office.

In the Gambia, Riders for Health manages the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s (MoHSW) national fleet of health care vehicles using our innovative full-service leasing model. Riders for Health employs 110 drivers and 33 technicians, including seven female apprentices. These technicians manage 90 motorcycles, 36 ambulances and 27 trekking vehicles.

This means that the Gambia is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to be equipped with complete transportation coverage for its health service. For the first time, health workers are able to reach every village ensuring basic health care is delivered to even the most rural communities.

Bikers race to transport precious cargo across Africa

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:40:00 GMT

Riders for Health is proud to say that we have been chosen as the international charity in the Times Appeal.

In Saturday’s feature, Rick Broadbent talks to Riders for Health’s Country Director in Lesotho, Mahali Hlasa, or ‘the mother of all bikers.’

Mahali has a special relationship with Riders for Health, having been a health worker herself in the 1990’s. She understands better than most the severity of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and the difficulty in reaching people living in remote communities. This lack of transport meant that many people were simply forgotten.

‘It would take a day to walk to some of them and then you’d be too tired to do your work when you got there,’ she explains.

When the opportunity came to learn how to ride a motorcycle to help he reach her patients, Mahali fought against the stereotypes and became one of the first female bikers in Lesotho.

‘Most people were shocked when I started riding. When I took my helmet off, they couldn’t believe it,’ she said.

You can read the full article here. To make a donation to get more health workers on the roads in Africa, click here.

Mechanics are a vital cog in charity wheels

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:05:00 GMT

Riders for Health is proud to say that we have been chosen as the international charity in the Times Appeal.

Featured in the newspaper and online on Friday 4th January, Lucy Bannerman reports on her visit to Riders for Health’s workshop in Southern Province, Zambia.

Gerald Sebesi is one of three mechanics at this workshop ensuring that outreach health workers always have reliable transport to reach the rural communities that depend on their visits.

Gerald used to repair boats on the Zambezi River and this is where he first learnt about engines. With these vital skills in preventive maintenance, Gerald and his colleagues are keeping 79 life-saving motorcycles on the road in Zambia.

‘People out there think no one can reach them. They have lost hope,’ explains Gerald. ‘When all of a sudden, a small bike appears out of the bush, with someone carrying all the various medicines they need, that is an amazing feeling.’

You can read the full interview by clicking here. Or to make a donation to support our work, please click here.