Improve malnutrition in Africa

To the GlobeMed and Global Giving Community:

Having returned from Ho just five days ago, Lalith and I are still reeling from the eye-opening and transformative experience we had visiting our partner, the H.O.P.E. Center. In our four weeks there, we learned how the Center has become an example for health clinics in the region due to our unique model of partnership. Our preventative health programs, including the child nutrition project and a new adolescent sexual and reproductive health center, have been extremely well-received by the community, and the clinic's outpatient attendance is continuing to grow steadily.

During our trip, it became quite evident to us that Ghana is a country on the rise. Inspiration and pride from President Obama's visit in July linger on as signs with him and Atta Mills continue to line the streets, along with thousands of taxis displaying American flags on their windshields. The region is experiencing enormous growth, which has also resulted in a number of health problems. The National Health Insurance Scheme, which offers universal health care to all Ghanaians, has been facing funding shortages and has left many health centers without drugs or staff salaries for months. As areas begin to develop, proper sanitation is becoming an increasing problem as only 2% of the rural population have access to sewage systems.

This year, we will continue our work with the child nutrition, implementing Phase IV: Food Security, which trains peer educators to monitor and report soybean crop progress and child health to nurses at the H.O.P.E. Center.

We strongly urge you to give feedback on our projects and updates to keep the dialogue about our work and impact flowing. Thank you so much for your continued support to see our efforts through.

Links:

• see our pictures on Flickr!
• visit our website

Pictures:

• head nurse at the H.O.P.E. Center (JPG)
• mothers at the child welfare clinic (PNG)
• with children at the Center (PNG)