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While many of us in New Zealand are concerned with creating the best environment for our babies to thrive, too many mums around the world are just hoping their babies will survive. In their earliest years, children born into poverty are especially at risk from disease and malnutrition. Because of this, many mums in the world’s poorest countries watch desperately as their babies die in their arms simply because they don’t have access to the care their babies need. That’s why we’re looking for 60 incredible Kiwis to come alongside a group of vulnerable mamas and their babies in Indonesia to provide crucial intervention and care for their first, precious year of life.
Click here to read October 2021 report Click here to read March 2022 report
Because a child’s first year of life should not be their last, our vision is to help secure a child’s opportunity to live. When a child’s needs aren’t met in the first critical year, it has a lifelong effect. Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth. Lack of healthcare can bring the threat of disease and a lack of stimulation can stifle a child’s cognitive development. But when children get the care they need in their earliest years, they are more likely to succeed in school and have better health as they grow up. Investing in child survival means children can reach their God-given potential.
Pregnant mums in extreme poverty frequently lack prenatal care, a nurturing home environment, and access to necessary medical and social services. This puts the life of the mother at risk, and for the baby, the struggle to survive begins at birth and continues through their first year. After the child is born, mothers with little to no money or services in their area will struggle to get help if their child falls sick or faces any other challenges. For preventable reasons, many babies tragically pass away before they’ve even had a chance to live.
The Child Survival Mums and Bubs programme, run by our partner Compassion, serves pregnant mothers, primary caregivers and their babies during the child’s critical first year when infants are most at risk of illness and death. The programme trains and equips specialists from local, partnering churches to provide much-needed help.
1. Prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women, including regular check-ups and advocacy for a skilled birth attendant to be present during the birth (not always a given!) 2.Monthly home visits to mothers and their newborns provide a regular touch point and are a great mental health check-in. 3. Health check-ups, including immunisations, growth checks, nutritional supplements and food for malnourished mums and babies.
4. Education for Mums on the importance of breastfeeding, family planning, nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention and mental health for themselves. 5. Skills training and literacy classes so mums can earn an income. 6. Social and spiritual guidance, including the opportunity to hear about Jesus and the chance to network with other mothers in a similar life stage.