Simavi was founded in 1925 as an independent aid organisation by two medical doctors Dr. J. van der Spek and Dr. H. Bervoets. The goal then was to support the work of the medical missionary staff, thereby helping to improve the healthcare for the local population in its colonies.
For a long time aid consisted of providing medical equipment, vehicles and medicines. Shiploads of medicines and medical equipment went across the oceans (Photo) to the Dutch colonies. Soon aid moved beyond the borders of the Dutch colonies. Even before World war II,, Simavi’s focus moved from just medical aid to wider health related projects covering the need for water and sanitation as major determinants to the improvement of the health status of the local communities. (Photo).
In response to the recognition of Primary Health Care as an international concern (Alma Ata conference 1978), Simavi increased its focus on preventive healthcare. From the 1980s onward, Simavi’s work-field specified on the themes of primary healthcare and water and sanitation with emphasis on capacity building of local communities.
Local grassroot initiatives form the target group of Simavi where its aid policy has changed to support local initiatives, material and equipments based on the needs identified by local communities themselves. This continues to remain the main thrust of Simavi’s approach today where Simavi continues to fund initiatives developed and implemented by local Community Based Organisations (CBOs) themselves.
