What is our goal? 

Laerdal Global Health has announced a $12.5 million commitment that will:

• Fund WHO BEC training in 400 hospitals across three African countries,
• Deliver specially designed training kits for ongoing workplace-based training.

Our goal now is to reach $25 million in contributions and bring this program to 1,000 hospitals in five or more countries, saving an estimated 50,000 lives every year. We hope Laerdal Global Health’s initial contribution will inspire more private and public partners to get in touch with us and discuss how they could join this cause to save lives.

What is BEC?

The BEC course is a simple, structured training program created by the WHO to help health workers quickly recognize and manage emergencies. It helps doctors, nurses, and ambulance staff respond confidently in situations involving breathing problems, shock, injuries, or changes in mental state.

BEC training teaches a clear step-by-step method to handle common emergencies, such as injuries, infections, heart attack and stroke, and pregnancy complications. It’s practical for many different environments, from clinics, ambulances and hospitals to emergency situations like natural disasters or conflicts.

Learn more about BEC here.

What is at risk?

Scaling up acute care is urgent because up to half of deaths in low- and middle‑income countries could be prevented with basic emergency treatment. Without rapid expansion of programs like BEC, countless patients suffering from pneumonia, traumatic injuries, diabetic emergencies, severe bleeding after childbirth, and other acute conditions risk dying needlessly. Failing to act means lifesaving care remains out of reach for millions.

How can you help? 

The WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health have also established a funding consortium – Lifeline: the Acute Care Action Fund – and are already in active discussions with other private and public partners to reach a total of $25M to bring this program to 1,000 hospitals in five or more countries, saving an estimated 50,000 lives every year. We are asking:

• Join other philanthropic and corporate partners and fund this life-saving training and tools. 
• Support the WHO Foundation in reaching its goal of $25 million.
• Learn about what it will take to expand BEC to more countries.