Faith-based organizations institute changes for a better life

Did you know?

• According to the WHO, more than 300,000 women die from pregnancy-related complications each year?
• About 4 million newborns die before they see their first month of life?
• Maternal conditions are the leading causes of death and disability in low-income countries?

In a recent article in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics; a proven strategy is creating a strong relationship between faith-based organizations and the broader public health community. IMA World Health specializes in Maternal and Child Health with programs such as its Cervical Cancer program and MAISHA, which means life in Swahili and also is an acronym for Mothers and Infants – Safe, Healthy, Alive. These programs give aid to mothers and their children to avoid the fate that so many have suffered before them.

Not only do they partner with health leaders, they must partner with religious leaders. Why? Most residents in sub-Saharan Africa identify themselves as Christians and Muslims. And 75 percent trust their religious leaders. This is the impetus behind faith-based organizations lending a life-saving hand to these countries through promoting faith-inspired health services.

Click here to review the full article.