Why Did We Start?

"It was a necessity. When we saw the terrible poverty in television reports, we slept very badly. We woke up ten times a night. Now it is a little better – only four times..."

These words, spoken with the characteristic humor of Professor Vladimír Krčméry, the initiator of our development projects, capture the essence of our mission. Professor Krčméry modestly describes himself as “only a mobilization center,” emphasizing that the real credit belongs to the doctors and professionals who transform visions into reality in the field.

The Beginnings and the First Pioneers

Among the first experts who dedicated themselves to serving the poorest communities were Benca, Danko, Doczeová, Ťažiarová, Holečková, Buček, Očenáš, Sládečková, Farkašová, Bartkovjak, Uherčík, Ondrušová, Mitterpachová, Kniezová, Augustínová, and many others.

Professor Krčméry launched the first development projects during his tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Health Care and Social Work in Trnava. Together with two colleagues, he established the first project in Kenya. However, he has always stressed that he does not seek personal recognition—if he had not started it, someone else certainly would have. Helping others is a natural calling of every human being.

Death cannot be eliminated, but doctors can fight against unnecessary suffering.

Today, St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work operates twenty development and humanitarian projects across ten countries worldwide.

Our Mission

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Prof. Ing. PhDr. Ladislav Bučko, PhD.
Founder of the St. John Paul II Institute of Missionary Work and Tropical Health, Bratislava

"The charitable and missionary activities of the university are dedicated to the holistic liberation and empowerment of every human being."

The long-term mission of our faculty is to educate professionals for missionary, humanitarian, social, and healthcare development projects both at home and abroad. Our work is rooted in the spiritual values of the Gospel message and in universal humanitarian principles: respect for human dignity, protection of life, and the promotion of culture.

Why Is Our Assistance Necessary?

HIV/AIDS: A Global Challenge

Global Figures

• 40 million people living with HIV worldwide
• 25 million people living with HIV in Africa alone
• 10 million children and young people living with HIV
• 17 million children orphaned due to AIDS-related deaths

Annual Impact

• At least 1 million people die from AIDS-related causes each year
• 50% of newly infected individuals each year are children and adolescents
• More than 3 million people have died since the disease was first identified

Regional Statistics

• In Sub-Saharan Africa, AIDS remains one of the leading causes of death among people aged 15–49
• Africa is home to approximately 15 million AIDS orphans
• 80% of infected adults are women
• AIDS mortality in many developing countries approaches 100%, while in wealthier Western countries it remains below 10%

Why Are We Involved?

These alarming figures are the reason why St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work actively participates in healthcare and development projects in countries affected by the HIV epidemic. Through education, medical assistance, prevention programs, and humanitarian support, we strive to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities and help reduce unnecessary suffering.