Global Health

Disparities in the survival and health prospects of children follow the contours linked to disadvantages primarily in wealth, education and rural-urban divides.

OBSTACLES:

•  Access to the same quality care as the wealthy
• Marginalized groups living in informal settlements, illegal dwellings or urban slums are vulnerable to health threats because of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, high transportation costs and lack of access to basic services
• Climate change brings added risks. During periods of drought, the poorest families are more likely to resort to unsafe water sources making them more vulnerable to disease
• Climate change is also associated with an increased incidence of vector borne infectious diseases such as malaria, as well as food insecurity

OUR ACTION:

1. We invest in increasing the number of midwives to address the burden of newborn and maternal mortality
2. The Nurse Hodge Project: a point based reward system where expecting mothers earn points for attending clinics and is able to cash in the points for practical items such as baby clothing, pampers and much more
3. We invest in improving Water and Sanitation in rural poverty stricken villages

HIV and AIDS

The Caribbean has the second highest HIV prevalence globally after the sub=Saharan Africa. Rates of new HIV infection in the Caribbean continue to increase despite the overall reduction.

OBSTACLES:

•  Key populations, especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons on islands such as Jamaica, face legal and social issues not experienced by non-LGBT people
• There are many barriers that prevent adolescents and young people from accessing sexual and reproductive health and HIV services and commodities

OUR ACTION:

1. We implement early prevention efforts via HIV/AIDS education forums across the Caribbean
2. We work with governments and other agencies to address the stigma and discrimination as a barrier to accessing HIV treatment