The GE Foundation, in partnership with the Developing World Healthcare Technology Laboratory at Duke University and Engineering World Health, has announced a three-year, $1.5 million grant to the health ministry in Nigeria.

The grant will be used to establish a biomedical equipment technician training (BMET) program at Lagos University Teaching Hospital's Federal School of Biomedical Engineering Technology as well as a center of excellence in partnership with the school. The BMET program builds on the success of similar programs established in Rwanda, Ghana, Cambodia, and Honduras that feature needs-based curricula tailored to each country.

In Nigeria, where 50 percent of hospital equipment is out of service, training will be delivered via twelve four-week modules offered over three years in the areas of healthcare technology management, computer skills, principles of medical device operation, and professional development.

"The shortage of functional medical equipment is a barrier to the efficient delivery of care in sub-Saharan Africa," said GE Foundation executive director and chief medical officer David M. Barash. "This capacity-building program delivers a structured curriculum and develops a pipeline of locally accredited technicians, in line with GE’s overall commitment to drive knowledge transfer, capabilities building, and local job creation. We are pleased to collaborate with the Nigerian Ministry of Health on this scalable program to help address the health challenges in the region and deliver solutions that align with the needs of the country."