Community Health

The highest levels of under-five mortality continue to be found in sub-Saharan Africa, where one in eight children die before the age of five. This is nearly twice the average in developing regions overall and around 18 times the average in developed regions. It also remains the region most heavily affected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for 68% of all people living with HIV and 72% of AIDS deaths. What’s more, maternal mortality is worryingly high across the region as access to skilled care during pregnancy and at childbirth is limited.

Increasing much-needed access to healthcare, we fund bicycle ambulances and community medical kits. Together, these enable health care volunteers to travel huge distances to reach patients in remote villages and ensure that first aid treatment for minor injuries is available promptly. Without this home-based care, it could take hours or even days for people to reach the nearest health facility due to poor roads and lack of transport services.