Free Healthcare for Women and Children in Sierra Leone

In April of 2010, Sierra Leone implemented a policy of free healthcare for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five. The policy has reduced mortality rates for pregnant women and deaths from malaria for small children.

Robert Yates, a senior health economist in Britain’s Department for International Development said the results in Sierra Leone have been “nothing short of spectacular.” His figures suggest a 214 percent increase in the number of children under 5 getting care at health facilities, a 61 percent decrease in mortality rates in difficult pregnancy cases, and an 85 percent drop in the malaria fatality rate for children.

Government figures show that since the introduction of the initiative, more women are accessing antenatal care and delivering their babies in health facilities. However, many women continue to face serious challenges in accessing the drugs and medical care crucial for safe pregnancy and childbirth. An Amnesty International report, At a Crossroads: Sierra Leone’s Free Health Care Policy, revealed that many women are being charged for the care they receive. The report called upon Sierra Leone to strengthen and establish systems of monitoring and accountability to ensure health care interventions are accessible to women and girls and to guarantee their access to effective remedies for violations of their human rights.

Although challenges remain, the new policy has dramatically improved material health within Sierra Leone.

- Madeline R. Lee 

SOURCE: New York Times 

Drug Firms Cut Vaccine Prices

Life-saving vaccines are becoming cheaper for the developing world. Several major drug firms including, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Merck, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi-Aventis have agreed to cut vaccine prices through the international vaccine alliance, Gavi. These price cuts would be balanced out by higher prices for vaccines in richer countries, and have the promise of saving many lives.

Rotavirus-related diarrhea kills more than 500,000 children a year, and GSK said they would cut the cost of their vaccine for rotavirus by 67%. Andrew Witty, chief executive of GSK explains that their company needs to invest in the next generation of drugs and vaccines, and in order to do that they must be making a profit from current vaccines. However, it is unrealistic to think that some of the poorest countries would be able to contribute to the profit of the drug companies. This should not mean that they do not get to receive the vaccines. Therefore, as Witty explains, richer countries will contribute to the drug company profits for both themselves and the developing world.

Dr. Freddie Coker, a pediatrician in Sierra Leone’s capital says he is excited about the cost cutting. “About 40% of cases we see are due to diarrhea diseases. The mortality rate can be as high as 50%. The earlier a child is commenced on treatment, the better the outcome," said Coker.

Numerous anti-poverty campaigners support these cuts in cost. Jamie Drummond, executive director of campaign group ONE, urges international leaders to act. “Gavi's ambition to save four million lives in the next five years is only achievable if the international donor community steps up to the plate,” said Drummond. These cuts are a promising step in saving thousands of lives!



-Sami Ressler

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Medical Relief for West Africa

For many people throughout the world, access to even the most basic healthcare is impossible. For children and adults suffering from disabilities, this lack of access makes small health issues much larger as they go untreated. Along the coast of West Africa, the Africa Mercy ship provides specialized surgery to the poor. Part of the non-denominational global non-profit organization Mercy Ships, the ship has docked at countries like Senegal, Gambia, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone for nine or ten month stays. The free surgeries include reconstructive, ophthalmic, dental, obstetric fistula and orthopedic surgery. In the most recent stay in Benin, Africa Mercy impacted over 300,000 people, performing more than 100,00 surgeries on 67,000 direct patients, according to the Mercy Ships Public Relations Liaison, Kathy Gohmert. The 450 person volunteer crew comes from 40 different countries.

The Africa Mercy does not just provide health care, they also send out teams into the field to build capacity to support the health care infrastructure in country. This include education and training for health care professionals to increase the sustainability and delivery of service long after the Africa Mercy leaves. Despite the many challenges facing Africa, the work of the Africa Mercy, especially in the health care sector, "is a testament to the fact that a commitment to bringing healing channelled by passionate people from across the world can make a difference in the lives of thousands" like the family featured in the clip above.

-Erica Stetz

SOURCE: The Mercy Ships