Alliance for Global Good and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev forge strategic program partnership

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU www.aabgu.org) has received a $100,000 initial contribution from the Alliance for Global Good (AFGG www.afgg.org) for strategic program partnerships. The AFGG contribution will fund three innovative research programs at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) that will advance education, water resource management and health care in Jordan and Ethiopia.

"The Alliance for Global Good, generously supported by Leonard Kaplan, has identified some of the most significant programs taking place at BGU that are focused on innovation and research to solve global problems," explains AABGU Executive Vice President Doron Krakow. "Our organizations' missions are closely aligned and we look forward to the success of this ongoing strategic partnership."

"One of the Alliance's central objectives is to improve the practice of philanthropy by adopting a novel business model that connects discriminating donors with the highest quality programs," says David M. Brand, AFGG chief executive officer. "Specific initiatives selected by the Alliance and its program partners reflect the interests and expertise expressed by Alliance donor partners."

The following BGU programs chosen by the Alliance are focused on making a positive change in Jordan and Ethiopia:

Israel-Jordan Academic Emergency Medicine Collaboration

Currently, 14 Jordanian students take part in this groundbreaking program at BGU, working alongside their Israeli counterparts to earn the only university-based academic degree for paramedics in the Middle East. The new initiative, funded in part by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MASHAV), reflects BGU's and Israel's commitment to humanitarian assistance and regional peace. These students recently participated in an Israel-Jordan earthquake response exercise, the latest example of this important cross border program. The AFGG funding will underwrite equipment and student participation.

Deworming Program in Mekele, Ethiopia

BGU's Center for Emerging Tropical Diseases and AIDS (CEMTA) focuses on the prevention and treatment of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the developing world. A parasitic worm accounts for a large part of the annual deaths caused by NTDs. In Mekele, Ethiopia, BGU Prof. Zvi Bentwich has achieved dramatic results in decreasing the prevalence of schistosomiasis to nearly zero among the 70,000 treated in this city with a population of 250,000. In order to deworm the entire city within the next two years, AFGG is providing the funding for personnel, surveys and educational materials.

Israel-Jordan Solar Desalinization Program

BGU is at the forefront of cost-effective desalinization of water through solar energy. The University is conducting research in Aqaba, Jordan and Israel (Hatzeva and Ashdod) to improve the availability of and access to fresh water. Additional funding is being provided by AFGG to support doctoral fellows who can continue to refine the most promising applications.

Provided by American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev