Health

Maternal Health

Around 529,000 women die each year while giving birth. 99% are from developing countries and 80% of deaths are preventable. Millennium Development Goal 5 aims to reduce these appalling numbers. Our partners in DR Congo see some atrocious suffering inflicted on young and old mothers - fistula caused by gang rape is the most extreme. We are currently supporting a Safe Motherhood program run by HEAL Africa.

Infant Health

Over 30,000 children die every day (9.2 million under fives) of preventable diseases. Malaria, diarrhoea, measles and respiratory illnesses are common killers. Malnutrition is an underlying cause in over a third of those deaths. Our partners work in their local communities to combat such statistics. They conduct primary health clinics, immunisation campaigns, training of health workers and a multitude of other preventative and restorative activities. They are actively contributing to Millennium Development Goal 4 (Reduce Child Mortality).

HIV/AIDS

In 2007, 2 million people died of AIDS and 33 million are living with HIV/AIDS. An estimated 370 000 children (younger than 15) became infected with HIV in 2007. The total number of children living with HIV has increased from 1.6 million in 2001 to 2 million in 2007 – almost 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Our partner in Rwanda provides HIV/AIDS education and training to this vulnerable age group.

Africa has more than 12 million AIDS orphans. Our partner Choisir la Vie, in DR Congo, has developed a particular ministry to such little ones. Our partners work in medical, counselling and MED support ministries around the world. Access to anti-retroviral drugs remains crucial. As of December 2007, an estimated 3 million people in low- and middle-income countries were receiving antiretroviral drugs, which represents 31% of those who need the medications, and is a 45% increase over 2006.

Source: UNAIDS 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic (August 2008)

Women Stand Up Together - HEAL Africa DR Congo

Hohidiai children's worker, Indonesia