A Cambridge UK disability charity has sourced and transported a vast range of medical and surgical equipment to some of the poorest countries in the world.

CBM UK reports a £1.1 million successful 'gifts in kind' campaign in the last financial year. It is effectively a life-or-death recycling effort and the initiative has really kicked on since CBM formed a partnership with A2HW (Aid To Hospitals Worldwide).

During the last year, CBM has ‘scavenged’ and shipped essential equipment to countries including Tanzania, Guinea, Uganda, Malawi, Papua New Guinea and Pakistan.

Will Dean, CBM consultant ophthalmologist in Malawi, spelt out the critical nature of the initiative. He said: “CBM and A2HW have excelled themselves! The equipment is just awesome, simply marvellous and arrived with absolutely stunning timing!

“The chairs and furniture they sent are perfect for our newly renovated ward in readiness for cataract surgery. The slit lamp is amazing, and will replace the one in clinic.”

Thanks to A2HW, CBM has been able to facilitate 11 shipments of equipment including hydraulic beds, ophthalmoscopes, slit lamps, anaesthetic machines, x-ray and operating theatre equipment.

A2HW takes used but serviceable equipment from various hospitals throughout the UK and then donates it to community projects overseas.

CBM is an international disability and development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and at risk of disabilities in the poorest countries of the world.

It acts on the needs and rights of people with disabilities and supports the provision of more than 740 projects in 89 countries. It is estimated that CBM reaches out each year to over 25 million people worldwide across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, South and Central America.

Its prime focus is on the prevention and treatment of diseases wherever possible, and on education and rehabilitation so that people with disabilities can be included into their society as equals and lead a largely independent life.

• CBM says it is particularly in need of ophthalmological and orthopaedic equipment as well as medical and school educational equipment and textbooks. For more information about CBM's ‘Gifts In Kind’ campaign, please visit: www.cbmuk.org.uk/giftsinkind