Health workers are trained to deliver simple yet lifesaving solutions such as diagnosing illness, providing vaccines and conducting pre and post natal checkups. They also play an important role in educating mothers on giving birth at a hospital (rather than at home), exclusive breastfeeding, healthy eating, good hygiene and referring mothers and children to doctors when the problem is more complex.
They are a critical link between the community and hospital care. Many of these families have never been to a hospital and are quite often scared of going to one. Health workers encourage mothers to give birth in a hospital, visit the doctor if things are serious and will even accompany them to the hospital, helping to overcome any anxieties they may have.
What makes health workers so special is that they don't have to be a qualified medical person - they don't even need an extensive education. They are trained by Save the Children to deliver services which are so simple, yet critical to saving lives.
They live in or close to the village which means mothers don't have to travel long distances to reach them and, because they live nearby, are more aware about the simple issues mothers face, such as a lack of clean water or nutritious food.
Mothers trust them because they are familiar to them. This makes them more willing to speak about their pregnancy, family planning, children or health issues. Husbands, who are usually the heads of the household, are also more willing to have health workers visit their home because they know them. In many cases they become more than just a health worker, but a friend and support for so many families.
Many families - particularly in remote areas of where the parents perhaps can't read or write - aren't aware of government services. So it's up to the health worker to explain it to families and help them receive their entitlements.
8.1 million children under five years old die every year from preventable and treatable illnesses. Ilnesses such as diahorrea, malaria and pneumonia which can be diagnosed by a health worker and treated straight away.
It can cost as little as $150 to train and equip a health worker, which is not a lot of money when you think about the lives they can save.
How much does it cost?
Here's a few examples of what your money could do:
$150 can train and equip a health worker to provide life-saving advice and treatment to children
$80 can provide a health worker with a tool kit including items like a thermometer, antiseptic and medicine box to treat sick children
$40 can cover the cost to administer a series of important vaccines so that two children can stay disease free
$24 can treat three children for diarrhoea
Take action today
In late May, 50 organisations issued an urgent call for more health workers. Since then hundreds of organisations have added their voice to the call. Add your voice and ensure there is an equipped health care worker in reach of every child.
Handmade by Sputnik Agency