Doctors with Africa CUAMM, founded in 1950 as “University College for Aspiring Missionary Doctors” and in the past known under the internationally recognised acronym C.U.A.M.M – International College for Health Cooperation in Developing Countries, is one of the parts of the “Opera San Francesco Saverio”, a religious foundation established by a decree of the Bishop of Padua on 6 January 1959.
It is furthermore the first NGO in the field of healthcare to be recognised, in 1972, by the Italian Foreign Ministry, and as a not-for-profit organisation since 1997.
It is a member of Link2007, a network of 9 Italian NGOs, and of Medicus Mundi International, an international federation of bodies which collaborate in the field of healthcare.
Doctors with Africa CUAMM is a body of volunteers which draws inspiration from the Christian faith. It was founded under the auspices of the Italian Church as an organisation of lay missionaries before the Second Vatican Council. It is an expression of the commitment of lay people whereby – through their professional interventions in favour of the poorest – adherents can fulfil their missionary vocation and contribute to building a more peaceful world based on justice, dignity and equal opportunities.
With strong Christian roots, Doctors with Africa CUAMM has always recognised the support and collaboration of those within the organisation who have different religious leanings as a source of stimulation and enrichment.
