What is the International Health Links Funding Scheme?

IHLFS is a three year scheme launched in 2009 that supports Health Links between health institutions in developing countries and the UK. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DfID) and the Department of Health (DH), it is jointly managed by THET and the British Council. The scheme aims to strengthen the capacity of health services in developing countries by providing £1.25 million each year to support the work of Health Links.

A Health Link (also known as a Link) is a formalised partnership between a health institution in a developing country and a counterpart in the UK. The purpose of a Link is to strengthen health systems and improve health service delivery in both developing and developed countries by allowing for a reciprocal transfer of skills and knowledge between people working in the healthcare sector.

What and who does the scheme support?

IHLFS supports activities that focus on training health staff and enhancing the capacity of health systems in developing countries. The Link’s activities also benefit the UK partners by developing staff skills and improving their understanding of global health issues.

The scheme focuses on Links that support priorities set out in the national health plans of target developing countries.

What opportunities are currently available?

All application rounds for IHLFS funding are now closed, however we are happy to help with any other enquiries that you might have regarding HealthLinks funding and best practice. Please contact us should you have any queries.

If you would like to find out more about the Health Links that we are currently funding, please visit our IHLFS Projects page.