Health does not always come in neat categories; it is often a combination of multiple factors. With this in mind, we support programs that are unique combinations of mutually-reinforcing health interventions that respond to the needs of our partner communities. When supporting an intervention, we pay particular attention to the diverse nature of illness, health care and well-being by using an integrated model of four program areas:
Primary Health Basic primary health care – immunizations, nutrition, reproductive health, pediatric care, treatment of common diseases – is often neglected after a crisis. The health of women and children is especially vulnerable during unstable transitions and in resource-poor environments. Our support enables the construction or rehabilitation of health centers, providing primary, and in some cases secondary, health care services to communities through mobile and fixed health clinics, training local health professionals and traditional health workers, and supplying essential drugs and medical equipment to health centers. We give a particular priority to child and maternal health, and on strengthening the capacity of the local Ministry of Health.
Environmental Health One of the greatest causes of global morbidity and mortality is water-borne disease. By ensuring access to safe drinking water, the programs we support reduce the prevalence of these preventable illnesses in our partner communities. Activities include the construction and rehabilitation of wells and sanitation facilities such as latrines, wash houses, and medical waste incinerators, and educational workshops on topics such as medical hygiene, personal hygiene promotion, disease prevention and the disposal of medical waste.
Psychosocial Health In our eyes, recovery from a crisis includes a comprehensive health model that addresses the traumas of individuals and communities. These programs support individuals and communities distressed by the effects of conflict, loss or natural disaster, through counseling and inclusive educational, cultural, and recreational activities, which rebuild and strengthen the social fabric of communities.
Community Health EducationPrevention is the key to any long term health strategy. Culturally appropriate community health education workshops focus on preventing illness and promoting good health. Activities include educational workshops led by community-based educators on the causes of disease, HIV/AIDS prevention, and the importance of hygiene, reproductive health, ante- and postnatal care, and vaccination.
