Episcopal Relief and Development commemorates World Health Day 2005 today, April 7, 2005. ERD’s health care programs help children and families live better lives. We provide education and training on preventable illnesses and proper sanitation practices and build clean water systems so communities around the world can have safe and clean water supplies.
“ERD helps fight preventable diseases and provides treatment and care for the sick in communities in Latin America, Africa and Asia,” said Sandra Swan, ERD President.
In El Salvador, ERD's primary health program is giving care to people through health education, treatment and disease control and prevention in community-based clinics. New medical clinics are being constructed, and several are already receiving patients and dispensing free medication. We provide smokeless cook stoves for families and builds latrines which reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and diseases such as hepatitis, dysentery and e-coli.
In sub-Saharan Africa, our malaria program works with communities to distribute insecticide-treated nets, supply effective drug therapy, spray chemicals for mosquito-control and educate people on how to reduce the risk for contracting the disease.
ERD supports several health care programs in South Africa including the Itipini Health Clinic in the Diocese of St. John's. The Itipini clinic provides HIV/AIDS health care for a marginalized community. The clinic staff and volunteers provide voluntary counseling and testing and mentors support people after they have been tested. Nurses treat opportunistic diseases, offer vitamins and antibiotics and provide food to individuals infected with the disease.
Daniel Conway, ERD Program Associate, recently returned from Afghanistan, where ERD is builidng a health clinic in Wardak, a rural province southwest of Kabul. “Our partnership in Afghanistan will supply needed medical services to women and vulnerable families,” said Conway. The clinic will provide treatment for diseases, counseling on family planning, STD screening, distribution of vitamin supplements and education about sanitation. Prenatal care, assistance in deliveries, and post-partum care will also be available.
Learn more about Episcopal Relief and Development’s health care programs by visiting the ERD Primary Health page.
To help children and families receive health care, donate to the Primary Health Fund online, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Primary Health Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101-5043.
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), an independent 501 ©3 organization, saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We work with local communities to provide food and health care which enable children and families to climb out of poverty.
