Mama bags help reduce malaria and HIV transmission
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- goldenways
- added this
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more from Health:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/216872/e036ffb0a9bc94061...
The Red Cross has distributed 1,300 kits to help pregnant women in northern Ugandan camps for displaced people give birth safely and hygienically.Called 'mama bags', the kits contain a mosquito net, sterilised medical supplies, nappies and other essential items.Red Cross volunteers work with communities to identify those in need, explain how to use the items and check that they are using them correctly. In 2008, the Red Cross is distributing mama bags to 2,500 women.
Cathy Ayer, support officer for conflict programmes, said: "Mama bags help pregnant women have safer deliveries, which may contribute to a reduction in the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as well as reducing the risk of contracting malaria."
Malaria symptoms
People infected with malaria often feel flu-like symptoms, including:
* fever
* vomiting
* headaches.
If left untreated, can affect the liver, brain and central nervous system and can lead to death. According to the World Health Organisation, more than one million people die of malaria every year, mostly infants, young children and pregnant women in Africa.
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gnossos
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Wow, I'd hate to be one of those women, but I'm glad they're getting some kind of help.
- 1 year ago
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gnossos
