Grounds for Health Signs Strategic Partnership with Speciality Coffee Association of Europe

 

Agreement signals importance of women’s health to coffee supply chain resiliency.

Gothenburg, Sweden – Grounds for Health, an international non-governmental organization dedicated to prevention of cervical cancer in developing countries, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE).    The agreement aims to improve the lives and livelihoods of coffee farming families by delivering much-needed women’s health services to those communities. Guy Stallworthy, CEO and President of Grounds for Health and David Veal, President of SCAE, signed the memorandum of understanding during a breakfast event at World of Coffee 2015, the annual SCAE conference held this year in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“We’re thrilled to be a partner of choice for the SCAE,” stated Stallworthy. “Foundational social issues, such as women’s healthcare, contribute to the resiliency of coffee-growing communities and, therefore, the future of the supply chain. We’re looking forward to working with the SCAE leadership and its members on projects that reinforce the important role of women at origin.”

The three-year collaboration commences July 1st, 2015 and will focus on programs to increase visibility and financial support for Grounds for Health’s work, mutually reinforce each organization’s mission and expand Grounds for Health’s reach and impact delivering cervical cancer screening and treatment services to women in the coffeelands. The two organizations will work together to identify projects that reflect their shared interest in supply chain sustainability and commitment to improving farmers’ quality of life.

“Grounds for Health is an organization with significant, tangible impact,” said Veal. “As an organization that advocates for protecting the future of coffee, we are delighted to have Grounds for Health as a SCAE charity partner and to work with them to support more sustainable, healthy and durable origin communities.”

In the next 15 years, it is estimated that six million women will die from cervical cancer, despite the fact that it can be easily prevented. Nearly 90% of these deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Since its founding in 1996, Grounds for Health has screened more than 53,000 and treated more than 3,200 women living in coffee growing communities in Latin America and Africa.   Currently, Grounds for Health supports programs in Ethiopia, Nicaragua and Peru.

“We know there are more than 750 million women in the developing world who would benefit from our life-saving services. Our work with the European coffee community creates a tremendous opportunity to help us reach more of those women,” notes Stallworthy.

About Grounds for Health

Grounds for Health envisions a world in which all women are protected from the threat of cervical cancer by timely and high-quality prevention services. Founded in 1996 by a coffee executive, Grounds for Health is focused on increasing coverage of cervical cancer screening and preventive therapy for women working in global value chains including coffee, tea, cocoa cut flowers and garments. As 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Williston, Vermont Grounds for Health currently supports programs and employs staff in Ethiopia, Nicaragua and Peru. reduce cervical cancer among women in developing countries. More information can be found at www.groundsforhealth.org.

About Speciality Coffee Association of Europe

The Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) sits at the very heart of the coffee community, where thousands of coffee professionals and enthusiasts can share their wealth of knowledge and experience with one another. Everything we do at SCAE is focussed on Inspiring Coffee Excellence through innovation, education, research and most importantly, communication. This is our vision to take speciality coffee out to the world, to educate consumers on this most fascinating beverage for the benefit of every level in the supply chain, whilst helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry. As a non-profit membership association, SCAE has established an enormous network of coffee lovers and industry professionals across more than 90 countries worldwide, with many also working through a National chapter that offers a programme of coffee events, training workshops, competitions and social activities on a local level.