A SIMPLE IDEA. REAL IMPACT.
MEND supports people with disabilities to access mobility, care, and opportunities for greater independence.
How it started
MEND was founded in 1991 by Rob Buchanan, after seeing first-hand how many people were living with treatable disabilities simply because they couldn’t access care.
What began as a practical response has grown into a global network supporting people across Asia and Africa.
How We Work
We keep things simple and practical.
We don’t operate large offices or complex systems. Instead, we work through trusted local centres and partners, using low-cost tools and strong relationships.
This means more support goes directly to the people who need it.
Local leadership matters
Our centres are run by local teams — many with lived experience of disability and rehabilitation.
They understand their communities, reach people in remote areas, and provide ongoing support long after treatment begins.
This approach builds trust, strengthens communities, and supports long-term impact.
Built on trust
We work with partners who share our commitment to ethical, transparent use of funds.
We prioritise accountability, local ownership, and sustainable programmes that continue beyond initial support.
What we see
Many people we meet have lived for years without access to basic care.
Conditions that are easily treated elsewhere can lead to lifelong disability when support isn’t available.
But with the right intervention, change can happen quickly — and the impact can last a lifetime.
Meet the team
MEND is powered by a small global team and a network of local partners and volunteers.
Rob Buchanan
Founder
Rob founded MEND in 1991 and continues to lead its work.
Alisa Hogan
Secretary
Alisa helps share the stories behind the work.
Kathy Light
Longtime supporter
Kathy and her husband Len are longstanding supporters of MEND. They run companies in the dairy and probiotic industry.
Ganga Rayamajhi
Manager, Hope Disability Centre Nepal
Ganga leads a highly successful centre in Gulmi that that now operates independently from MEND.
Asi Babu
Director, AGAPE (Achieving Goals of Ability, Parity and Education), India
Babi and his team prioritise mobility for members, followed by education, skills training, and employment so they become valued members of their community.
Robert Lujoba
Physiotherapist, Uganda
Robert works with MEND and the Katalemwa Cheshire Home (KCH) in Kampala, Uganda. KCH is one of the country’s oldest rehabilitation centres. Robert cares for patients in the three districts managed from our Outreach Centre in Masaka.
James Wachieni
Co-ordinator, Shepherds of Life (SOL), Kenya
James is the coordinator of our partner, SOL in the Samburu Region and Rift Valley. James also works on our sustainable farm programme harvesting and selling tomatoes, capsicums and onions. This programme employs local women and supports SOL’s work with 400 village communities, 5,000 vulnerable children and 600 people living with HIV/Aids.
Why we do this
Because something as simple as a wheelchair, a hearing aid, or a prosthetic limb can change the course of a life.