Healthcare

Access to adequate healthcare is a daunting challenge faced by many African people, as well as many people in under-served areas of the United States. The sight of a good and well-structured healthcare institution in these areas is similar to coming across an oasis in a desert, and such an institution is beyond the reach of the poor. Children and women are mostly affected by this crisis and millions die each year from preventable diseases and minor infections. Malnutrition is another major problem faced by this vulnerable population in Africa. Healthcare and malnutrition are inseperable when it come to help children in Africa ( Please go to program to read more about Light in the World Developmnent Foundation projects for development in agriculture).

The Facts: Every day about 1,000 children under the age of 15 become infected with HIV, and in 2007, UNAIDS estimated there were 2 million children living with HIV, almost 90 per cent of whom live in Africa. The vast majority of these children either acquire HIV before they are born, during pregnancy or during delivery or when they are being breastfed (if their mother is HIV-positive). Most African countries and under served areas lack preventative care for diseases such as diabetes , hypertension , heart disease especially heart failure, colon cancer and others. UNICEF estimates that roughly 13 children under the age of 5 die every minute, mostly from preventable causes. The prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 in Togo was reported at 26.90% in 2008, according to the World Bank. Therefore, LWDF has a goal to improve agricultural productions in Togo and healthcare system in Africa.

The Problems

INSUFFICIENTLY TRAINED HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
POORLY AND UNDER EQUIPPED HOSPITALS & CLINICS
UNSANITARY HOSPITAL AND CLINIC CONDITIONS
INADEQUATE BUDGETS

These problems, among others, make it difficult for communities, left by their government to fend for themselves, to respond to pandemics of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, dysentery cholera, and chronic and debilitating diseases such as high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and many others. However where there is adversity, there is also opportunity to reach out and help. Donations are placed in a general heath fund and used for: