Christian Aid Week runs from 12 to 18 May
An international NGO is inviting people to stand in solidarity with mothers and to raise funds for better healthcare services in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Christian Aid has launched its annual fundraiser, unites over 20,000 churches across the UK every year to support global neighbours in need.
This year’s campaign focuses on improving maternal health in countries such as Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone is the world’s most dangerous place to give birth: maternal mortality rates there are the highest in the world by a significant margin.
For every 100,000 live births in Sierra Leone, 1,360 mothers die, compared to nine in the UK.
Lack of access to a healthcare facility or health professional is one major factor in the high number of maternal deaths. If there is no clinic in their village, women in labour can wait up to eight hours before an ambulance arrives.
Others travel to hospital on the back of a hired motorbike, but the poorest have no choice but to walk for hours on foot. Many women and babies do not survive the journey.
Launching Christian Aid Week, which runs from 12 to 18 May, Sally Foster-Fulton, head of the charity in Scotland, said: “The birth of a child is one of life's greatest gifts. It should herald a joyful beginning, not hold fear for the future, or an end before life can even start. Through the generosity and commitment of people across Scotland, we help make a difference for children now and for the adults they will become. Poverty is not an inheritance we will hand on.”
Christian Aid chief executive Amanda Mukwashi urged the public to support efforts to help women, girls and babies suffering from a lack of access to quality healthcare.
She said: “Christian Aid Week is an amazing celebration to change the world, through generosity, solidarity and action.
“Our world needs hope right now. Every mother, every child, all of us are made in God’s image and we passionately believe that, when we come together, the almighty power of people can make a world in which dignity, equality and justice is experienced by everyone.”
From door-to-door collections to book sales to sponsored swims, thousands of supporters will go to great lengths this May to raise money during Christian Aid Week.
Every small donation will change a life. A donation of £60 could buy a kit for community health workers. The kit includes a bicycle, torch, rain coat and rain boots. Just £15 could buy a stethoscope or a bucket of paint for a community health clinic.
To find out how to get involved or to donate, visit caweek.org, call 08080 006 006, or text GIVE to 70040 to give £5.
