In 1971, Italy passes its first law on cultural, scientific and technical cooperation with developing countries (n. 1222) which recognises the positive value of voluntary service. A new Statute is approved which embodies the ideas put forward at the Nyeri Convention.

In 1972, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises Doctors with Africa Cuamm as an organisation of volunteers capable of performing institutional functions to promote cooperation in developing countries. It is in this period that the work of individual doctors begins to be structured into truly cooperative healthcare projects and programmes.

Following a number of reflections on the theme of ‘missionary doctors’ in 1973, on the successive draft (1975) of a document outlining the criteria for cooperative intervention in the field of healthcare, and on the organic structuring of a precise training methodology aimed at doctors due to offer overseas service (1976), there begins in 1977-79 a phase of country programmes, within a framework of bilateral agreements between the Italian government and the countries concerned, specifically Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique. The choice is made in favour of direct cooperation with governments and public authorities to carry out broad projects intended to promote all-round development for localised populations.

This framework is consistent with the declaration of Alma Ata (1978), the document through which the World Health Organisation reaffirmed that health is a fundamental right of every person and asked that effective steps be taken to improve basic healthcare throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. In 1979, a new Italian law is passed on cooperation and development.

In the picture above: in 1972 Minister Aldo Moro, here with doctor Vallero, acknowledges Cuamm as organization fit to tasks about international cooperation