Project Focus Area – Health

During the past decade, health has achieved unprecedented prominence as a key driver of socioeconomic progress, and more resources than ever are being invested in health. Yet poverty continues to contribute to poor health, and poor health anchors large populations in poverty. Health development is directed by the ethical principle of equity: Access to life-saving or health-promoting interventions should not be denied for unfair reasons, including those with economic or social roots.
-WHO 2010

“We will not be successful in our efforts to end deaths from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis unless we do more to improve health systems around the world, focus our efforts on child and maternal health, and ensure that best practices drive the funding for these programs.”
– President Barack Obama, May 5, 2009

Globally, it is estimated that 4,000 children perish everyday due to lack of access to hygienic sanitation and clean water. One million people die every year from malaria – mostly children and pregnant women. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in urban areas in the Global South, asthma is increasing on average of 50% every ten years. TB claims two million lives annually. To further compound these health crises, currently 85% of the world’s population is being priced out of the health industry’s market and denied the coverage that they need to survive (Oxfam). Privatization of health-care systems further reduces health-care availability (WHO 2010). However, FCDE realizes that promoting and protecting health is essential to the welfare of all communities and has a direct correlation to sustainable economic and social development.

World health experts historically have worked together to find solutions to global outbreaks, malaria, respiratory illnesses, polio, and other epidemics. It has been demonstrated that by adequately funding programs with specific health targets, the health and wellbeing for millions will improve (Global Health Initiative 2009). We believe that comprehensive and integrated approaches to community health efforts allow families to get the help that they need. Because FCDE partner organizations are embedded in the community, they are able to engage target populations in fundamental awareness raising and skill transfer, which promote positive health practices and prevention strategies. Through capacity building initiatives, FCDE interns, donors, and partners will be at the forefront of making a profound difference in local health advancement.