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Health
Maternal Health
Around 529,000 women die each year while giving birth. 99% are from developing countries and 80% of deaths are preventable. Millenium 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 of preventable diseases. Malaria, diarrhoea, measles and respiratory illnesses are common killers. 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 Millenium Development Goal 4 (Reduce Child Mortality).
HIV/AIDS
In 2006, 2.9 million people died of AIDS and 39.5 million are living with HIV/AIDS.
Young people, aged 15-24, account for 40% of all new infections worldwide - more than 4,700 new infections every day. Our partner in Rwanda provides HIV/AIDS education and training to this vulnerable age group.
Africa has more than 12 million AIDS orphans. Our partners Maman Jeanne and Choisir la Vie, in DR Congo, have 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. Currently only 15% of those in need are receiving anti-retroviral treatment in developing and transitional countries.
Source (UNAIDS/WHO December 2006 report on the global AIDS epidemic)
