Ethics in humanitarian efforts: giving due credit to the local team.

BACKGROUND: It has become increasingly apparent that only the truly effective humanitarian work emphasises empowering local practitioners. One problem, though, is that we are often seen as the "experts" who have come to "save" the children. This perception may adversely affect the confidence in the country's own providers.

METHODS: Non-profit organisations performing paediatric heart surgery in developing countries were identified from two sources: the CTSnet "volunteerism" web page and an Internet search using the term "Pediatric Heart Surgery Medical Mission." The website of each organisation was reviewed, seeking a "purpose" or "mission" statement or summary of the organisation's work. A separate Internet search of news articles was performed. The top five articles were analysed for each organisation, and the findings are then analysed using the Principlist and Utilitarian ethical systems.

RESULTS: A total of 10 separate non-profit organisations were identified. The websites of eight (80%) placed significant emphasis on the educational aspects of their work and/or on interaction with local professionals. However, of 43 news articles reviewed, reporters mentioned education of, or interaction with, local professionals in only 14 (33%), and four out of 10 organisations studied had no mention of the local providers in any article.

CONCLUSIONS: Although non-profit organisations emphasise the teaching and programme-building aspects of their efforts, media reports largely focus on simpler and more emotional stories such as patient successes or large donations. Acknowledgement of the clinical and financial contributions of the host countries is both a duty following from the principle of justice and an important factor in long-term programme building.