The Dutch Bilateral Matters Foundation initiates projects in African countries and, when asked, also implements the results of the recommendations.\n\n The Foundation is governed in the Netherlands by a board consisting of three members. Also in Ethiopia a board is installed, however in a rather unofficial way, regarding the political situation. These members are local experts with a very useful network - advising the Dutch board in matters like the nomination of projects or the initiating of research, and also advising in juridical matters if needed. The main goal of the organization is the improvement of local expertise in medical skills, especially in the field of maternal care. Each year one or two projects will be supported, and yearly a financial and organizational report will be published.