Vaccinate Children and Prevent NINE Diseases

This month the Alliance will begin its vaccination program for the year! 2,500 women and children will be vaccinated in 19 villages throughout the coming year.

During an administrative trip to Mali last year I was fortunate to visit the village of Djemene. It was the first time I witnessed the administration of vaccines. During this visit I met the Samaké family. When asked why she had her children vaccinated, Sabou, the mother, said, "To prevent disease… I see a big difference in the children that are and are not vaccinated. I want my children to grow fast and healthy.”

It is difficult to explain the gratitude that the villagers have for this program. It is truly improving the quality and enjoyment of many lives and is making a long-term difference for thousands of villagers!

In 2006, the Alliance was able to provide 600 new mosquito nets to village families in addition to the 1,150 nets distributed in previous years. Malaria related mortality rates continue to decrease in villages where nets are accessible and education and training for proper use facilitated.

This year, the Alliance was able to purchase vaccinations for $1.75 each. Alliance administered vaccinations include: polio, hepatitis A & B, MMR and yellow fever. Over 7,500 vaccinations were administered to children and women of child bearing ages in 2006.

The initiation of a new AIDS education and training manual began in 2006. The manual will be translated into the local dialect of Bamanakan and introduced to village health care workers in 2007.