Eugene Bell Foundation

Eugene Bell Foundation logo small

The Eugene Bell Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing medical assistance and humanitarian aid to North Korea. The foundation focuses primarily on the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in the region, particularly multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

History

The Eugene Bell Foundation was established in 1995 by Dr. Stephen Linton, a scholar and humanitarian with extensive experience in Korean studies. The foundation is named after Dr. Linton's great-grandfather, Eugene Bell, a missionary who worked in Korea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Mission

The primary mission of the Eugene Bell Foundation is to combat tuberculosis in North Korea. The foundation provides medical supplies, diagnostic equipment, and training to local healthcare workers. It also supports the operation of specialized TB treatment centers across the country.

Programs

The foundation's main programs include:

• **TB Treatment Centers**: The Eugene Bell Foundation operates multiple TB treatment centers in North Korea, providing care for patients with both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant TB.
• **Medical Supplies and Equipment**: The foundation supplies essential medical equipment and medications to healthcare facilities in North Korea.
• **Training and Education**: The foundation conducts training programs for North Korean healthcare workers to improve their skills in diagnosing and treating TB.

Impact

The Eugene Bell Foundation has made significant strides in improving TB care in North Korea. Since its inception, the foundation has treated thousands of patients and has been instrumental in reducing the prevalence of MDR-TB in the region.

Challenges

Operating in North Korea presents numerous challenges, including logistical difficulties, political tensions, and limited access to resources. Despite these obstacles, the Eugene Bell Foundation continues to provide critical healthcare services to some of the most vulnerable populations in the country.

See also

• Tuberculosis
• Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
• Healthcare in North Korea
• Non-profit organization