The lives of millions of children and mothers in developing countries could be saved by giving them access to simple, inexpensive health care measures. SOS Children’s Villages is making those measures available to families who have nowhere else to turn.
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.
Minimizing Risk to Mothers and Children
SOS Children’s Villages runs medical centers in underdeveloped areas which specialize mainly in the care of children and women in the catchment area of its programs. By offering quality care during pregnancy, safe childbirth by well-trained birth attendants and strong neonatal care, SOS Children’s Villages is minimizing the risk to mothers and newborns.
68SOS Medical Centers Worldwide
Today, 68 SOS Medical Centers 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 mental health and therapy 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 centers and social centers.
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.