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Background
The Knowledge and Research (KaR) Programme on Disability and Healthcare Technologies aims to support the development and application of appropriate technologies under the following themes:
 'Technology includes both processes and information management practices' The Programme is managed by a unique partnership between a management consulting firm - GIC Ltd. - and a development non-governmental organisation - Healthlink Worldwide. Staff from these two organisations form the Programme Management Centre (PMC) responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the programme. A 10-member Programme Advisory Group (PAG) acts as an independent advisory panel for the final selection of proposals, reviews project monitoring reports and advises the PMC on implementation of the Programme. The PAG is co-chaired by Andreï Issakov of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Andrew Tomkins of the Center for International Child Health (CICH). Members include: David Constantine, Motivation; Phil Evans, Social Development Department, DFID; Marion Kelly, Health and Population Department, DFID; Andy Nevill, City General Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent; Jack Sims, Medical Equipment Specialist; Sheila Wirz, CICH; David Woolnough, Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, DFID; and Roger Drew, representing the Programme Management Centre. A team of advisers is in place to provide support and knowledge for example in reviewing project proposals which lie outside expected boundaries or require specialised 'niche' experience. People providing this outer core of advice have been drawn from organisations such as Handicap International, Association for Appropriate Technology (FAKT), Action on Disability and Development (ADD), the Institute of Ophthalmology as well as independent consultants. Knowledge and research The 1997 White Paper on International Development highlighted the importance of knowledge and research to development efforts: 'The elimination of poverty and protection of the environment requires improved access to knowledge and technologies by poor people.'The UK Department for International Development considers knowledge, research and technology as fundamental underpinning for its work. It is continuing to invest in research and dissemination activities such as this Programme. This Programme addresses concerns dealth with by several departments within DFID. As a result, a cross-departmental team involving the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department (formerly Engineering), the Social Development Department, and the Health and Population Department, is working closely with the Programme. Links to some of DFID's other knowledge and research programmes are included on the Links page of this website. GIC was established in 1991 as a management consulting firm specialising in the policies, operations and procedures of the international funding institutions. Since that time, it has helped governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector in over 70 countries to gain access to development funds and implement projects. Its objective is to help clients make the most of opportunities throughout the project cycle, from securing finance to managing and evaluating projects. GIC offers a range of project development and implementation services, including research and analytical studies, project management, training and mentoring. GIC focuses its project activities on:
Healthlink Worldwide is a charity registered in the UK. Set up in 1977, the organisation aims to improve the health of poor and vulnerable communities by strengthening the provision, use and impact of information. Healthlink Worldwide collaborates with more than 30 partner organisations worldwide to:
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