Here is a link to an article(http://allafrica.com/stories/200702020514.html) that talks about the President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba (high-fi-key-poon-a Po-ha-mba) Say that 12 times in a row! and his goals for the future. He touches upon the UN millenium goals (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/) that try to address and alleviate many issues that African Nations face. You can check out these eights goals at their website, but they touch upon eradicating poverty& hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting womens rights/gender equality, combating health issues such as HIV/AIDs, malaria, as well as trying to address environmental issues and as well as building global partnerships for the future. It is a new era for African counties because its a post-colonial world where people are trying to state their indepence and gain a spot in the international community. Specifically, Namibia is a fairly new democracy (1990) ad the newly elected president (2004) wants to try to do the best he can for his people. Another thing you can check out if you want to know more about Africa's socio-economical goals for the future is NEPAD-"The new partnership for Africa's development" (http://www.nepad.org/2005/files/home.php). Head's of states from Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa came together and outlined a framework for an integrated socioeconomical plan. Very similar to the millenium goals NEPAD attempts to do the following:
"a) To eradicate poverty;b) To place African countries, both individually and collectively, on a path of sustainable growth and development;c) To halt the marginalisation of Africa in the globalisation process and enhance its full and beneficial integration into the global economy;d) To accelerate the empowerment of women ".
There is a lot of work to be done, but many are very hopeful and quite obviously are willing and ready to make changes for the better. One arguement, that arises most often among scholars and people in general, is the pressure from the west on many African nations to adopt western style development protocols. In all aspects of society-economically, socially, culturally- this can be seen. Although, in many instances western values can be good, it is important to remember we need to adapt. And that is what NEPAD addresses as well; the fact that African Nations need to start working together more and stop depending upon western or foriegn help. Its a document of empowerment for many African people and countries, it allows them to join together to make their nations as well as the contininet a better place.
I thought I would just share that with you. It has a lot to do with HIV/AIDS, poverty, women's rights, health care and the overall general goals and visions that many countries strive to meet. If we have stronger governments that are seeking for the betterment of their countries as well as the people, we surely can begin and continue on the path towards peace. (although at times it can seem like such a long, dark, winding road.. one day the fog will clear).
Keep warm! (its freeeezing!)
M
Our Mission
African Community Health Inititiave (ACHI)
Provide basic health care services to those lacking access to such care in both rural Nigeria and urban Namibia.
These services include:
*Overall Physicals (including Fasting Glucose levels, Vitals, HIV/AIDS testing etc..)
*Medication Management and Maintenance programs *Disease Management
*Health Education that addresses disease prevention, hygiene and nutrition
*Consultations and referrals
Mount Sinai
A program started by Katutura State Hospital Nurse Christa Biart-Vega, who works in the ARV (antiretroviral) pediatric clinic, Mount Sinai provides HIV counseling, health education, well baby checks, formula, water and sippy cups for 105 babies and their HIV+ mothers. If the child is tested HIV- after 6 weeks of being breastfed, the hospital or clinic refers them to Christa. At this point it is important to discontinue breastfeeding: replacing breast milk with formula means that the baby will remain HIV-. Unfortunately, due to the lack of funds Christa has to limit the number of mothers and babies in her program because it is a commitment to feed each child for six months. Christa did receive land in Katutura for the clinic, but lacks the funds to begin building. Not only will this building be used to continue the program that Christa has started, she also envisions it as a safe place for moms and their children, as well as a hospice for children with AIDS to peacefully die in instead of out on the streets. Your donations will go towards formula, sippy cups, water and overall costs. More money means more women can enroll in the program and with your help Nurse Christa will finally be able to have a building to go along with her amazing, life saving program!
Family Hope Sanctuary
FHS is a community based program run by Abigail Maposa located in the extremely poor settlements of Hakahana. FHS’s program helps in two ways: first, to empower women, most of whom are HIV+, TB, single mothers who are raising orphans; and second, through its school readiness program. This program reaches children who are not in the school system and provides them with an education and a safe place to stay. More importantly, the heart of FHS is its kitchen: it feeds hundreds of children each day, which for most is the only meal they will get that day. Lacking the most basic necessities of life, all of these kids are grateful for such a meal, and are in dire need of a formal education before it is too late. Your donations will go towards education, food, clothes, shoes, water and other necessities. Amazingly, $20 sends a child to school for a whole year (books and uniforms included)!
Saturday, February 3, 2007
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