Millions of Africans die each year from infectious diseases, such as AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, from poor nutrition or lack of clean drinking water, and from treatable diseases like measles and polio that have been conquered in developed countries through the use of vaccines.

The continent’s widespread poverty, along with a lack of medicine and adequate hospitals with trained doctors and nurses, contributes to the healthcare crisis. As a result, the life-expectancy of people living in sub-Saharan Africa has plummeted to 47 years — a lifespan more than 30 years shorter than that of the average American.

In addition to a short life-expectancy, Africa hosts some of the highest child mortality rates in the world. For example, the mortality rates in Sierra Leone for children under-five and new mothers are the highest in the world, with measles, malaria, vitamin-A deficiency and worm infestation remaining the biggest enemies of young children. Oftentimes, due to inaccessible hospitals and nurses, women must give birth in their own homes with no medical assistance or post-natal treatment. This puts both mother and child at risk for health complications that could otherwise be prevented with the proper medical care.

Measles accounts for 48% of deaths from vaccine preventable diseases while malaria accounts for 33% of all deaths of children under-five.

In FY 2010, we were able to provide $37,500.00 in cash grants and $6,242,027.13 in donations of medicine, medical equipment and hygiene items to our partners and their commendable projects that seek to alleviate these medical hardships that face their fellow African communities.

Bread and Water for Africa supports the following healthcare programs:

Alpha Foundation, Sierra Leone

Ndegbornei Development Organization, Sierra Leone

Faith Healing Development Organization, Sierra Leone

Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre, Zambia