Uganda (MNN) — Uganda's immunization coverage has been rising in the past
few years.
It's the direct result of newly-introduced health reforms that included some
changes at the Ministry of Health, health financing reforms, and more
involvement from the private sector. A
lot has changed in the last decade. In
2001, per capita expenditures on health were $14. Today, that number nears $120 per person.
Some credit awareness campaigns with the changes. Others credit more direct interventions with
resources and training.
Even with all the positive results, the reality is that within the next 24
hours more than 80 children will die. These
deaths can be prevented with basic health care, if the parents can afford
it. However, roughly a third of the
population lives under the poverty line, on less than a dollar a day.
When forced to choose between food and immunizations, families often choose
food. Without protection, children in
Uganda face life-threatening diseases that have long been defeated in the
United States through simple vaccination.
International Needs Network has a team in Uganda offering a simple immunization
program. With $30, the team can immunize
a child against diphtheria, measles, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis, and whooping
cough.
Each child who is immunized is able to fight back when disease attacks. The project could save lives, but so far, it has
zero support.
I.N. Network Uganda comes alongside people living in poverty with help for
everyday needs: school for the children, a medical clinic for the sick,
livestock for family nutrition and income, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ for
all.
Each day is filled with challenges, heartbreak, and prayer that God will
bless the nation of Uganda. Something as
simple as an immunization can open doors of new opportunity for the children I.N.
Network helps.
Click here if you can help, too.
