The facts
Each year, nearly ten million children die before they reach the age of five. Two thirds of them could be saved by simple and affordable medical services. Some 1,500 women die every day from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. For children, the risk of death is highest during the first months of their lives.
Minimising risk to mothers and children
SOS Children’s Villages runs medical centres in underdeveloped areas which specialise mainly in the care of children and women in the catchment area of its programmes. By offering quality care during pregnancy, safe childbirth by well-trained birth attendants and strong neonatal care, SOS Children’s Villages is minimising the risk to mothers and newborns.
68 SOS Medical Centres worldwide
Today, 68 SOS Medical Centres offer basic health care in the form of vaccinations, maternity wards, advice on hygiene, nutrition and first aid, information on HIV/AIDS and their prevention, and psychosocial services.
Free basic health care for communities and families
SOS Children’s Villages works with communities, other NGO’s and governments to make information on key health-related issues such as nutrition, hygiene and prevention available to underpriviledged families. Basic medical care is offered free of charge by qualified staff in community centres and social centres.
Spreading know-how to remote areas
In communities where medical infrastructures are often many days away from people’s homes, training is given to designated medical helpers, enabling them to perform basic medical procedures and give advice on medical issues often caused by poverty, such as malnutrition and pneunomia.
Sources: WHO, UNICEF