The other day I found myself in Malawi. You know, that tiny country in southeast Africa (don’t worry, I didn’t know either). I was there as part of a group with the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia. Yes, you read that correctly–PNEUMONIA. Not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Africa, right? But check out these facts:
- Pneumonia is the world’s leading killer of children under five, claiming one young life every 20 seconds. That’s more than AIDS, Malaria and Measles combined.
- 98% of all childhood deaths from pneumonia occur in developing nations.
- Pneumonia is one of global health’s most solvable problems. We have safe, effective and affordable tools to help children.
Why Are You Telling Me This?
We rode with UNICEF to some of the most rural parts of Malawi to observe the new PCV vaccine being administered. Entire villages would gather under a large tree that acted as a makeshift medical clinic. I was told that some had walked as much as two hours to be there with babes in arms. It was hot. It was dry. And hardly a child was crying.
Receiving the PCV Vaccine
What Can You Do?
- Send your senators and member of Congress a message to thank them for doing the right thing and asking for their continued support.
- Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about what you’ve learned about pneumonia and the efforts being made in Africa.
- Encourage your local school or organizations to support and become involved in World Pneumonia Day on November 12.
- I said I wouldn’t ask for money, but if you’re so inclined you could make a donation on the GAVI Alliance (formerly the “Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation”) site.
- Learn more about the work being performed in developing countries around the world. There may be a way to utilize your unique talents or resources to one of the projects.
![]( "UNICEF Driving to Africa Village")
What’s Next?
Jill Greenlaw from Mom It Forward was also on this trip. You can read about her experience here.
The post IN TO AFRICA: FIGHTING PNEUMONIA IN MALAWI appeared first on Dadventurous.
