IN TO AFRICA: FIGHTING PNEUMONIA IN MALAWI

by Troy Pattee

The other day I found myself in Malawi. You know, that tiny country in southeast Africa (don’t worry, I didn’t know either). I was there as part of a group with the  Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia. Yes, you read that correctly–PNEUMONIA. Not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Africa, right? But check out these facts:

  1. Pneumonia is the world’s leading killer of children under five, claiming one young life every 20 seconds. That’s more than AIDS, Malaria and Measles combined.
  2. 98% of all childhood deaths from pneumonia occur in developing nations.
  3. Pneumonia is one of global health’s most solvable problems. We have safe, effective and affordable tools to help children.

Why Are You Telling Me This?

Let me say right up front that this isn’t one of those tug-at-your-heartstrings-then-ask-for-money posts. The story I experienced in Malawi was one of hope, happiness, and success. Sure, Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world, but progress is being made. The people are aware of how important vaccinations are to their survival, especially the survival of their children. The health care system is nowhere near what we have in the United States–and that’s not necessarily the goal–but it is improving. Real efforts are being made to identify problems and discover solutions.

 

We rode with UNICEF to some of the most rural parts of Malawi to observe the new PCV vaccine being administered. Entire villages would gather under a large tree that acted as a makeshift medical clinic. I was told that some had walked as much as two hours to be there with babes in arms. It was hot. It was dry. And hardly a child was crying.

I was impressed by their patience. Their calm. I complain when I have to wait 30 minutes to see a doctor yet they were all happy to be there (full disclosure: I’ll still probably complain about the wait time at my doctor’s office).

 

Receiving the PCV Vaccine

What Can You Do?

I hope I haven’t given the impression that the problem is solved, because it isn’t. I should also point out that the Malawi Ministry of Health is fully involved. The people of Malawi are working hard to help themselves, but help is still needed. Here are a few things you could do to support the efforts:
  1. Send your senators and member of Congress a message to thank them for doing the right thing and asking for their continued support.
  2. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about what you’ve learned about pneumonia and the efforts being made in Africa.
  3. Encourage your local school or organizations to support and become involved in World Pneumonia Day on November 12.
  4. I said I wouldn’t ask for money, but if you’re so inclined you could make a donation on the GAVI Alliance (formerly the “Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation”) site.
  5.  Learn more about the work being performed in developing countries around the world. There may be a way to utilize your unique talents or resources to one of the projects.

What’s Next?

At the end of the day we left the village and the villagers returned to their homes. UNICEF dropped us back at our hotel, and the next day their work continued. By the time the entire country has received the vaccination it will be time to start the next round and do it all over again.
I don’t anticipate that this will be my last post on Malawi or World Pneumonia Day. For me it was a life-changing event, and now it’s up to me to help change the lives of others. I hope you’ll join me.

 

Jill Greenlaw from Mom It Forward was also on this trip. You can read about her experience here.

 

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