Democratic Republic of the Congo
Teachers Health partnership to provide vital healthcare
Saving the lives of mothers and newborns in the DRC
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Saving the lives of mothers and newborns in the DRC
Teachers Health is partnering with Australia for UNHCR to deliver healthcare services to displaced mothers and their newborns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Over 4.5 million people have been internally displaced by conflict within the DRC, and some 541,000 refugees from neighbouring countries have fled there in search of safety. Humanitarian needs are enormous, and pregnant women and infants are amongst the most vulnerable.
Every year, 96,000 newborns in the DRC die before the end of their first month of life. Up to half of these babies don’t survive their first 24 hours.
Through a three-year partnership, Teachers Health, a not-for-profit health fund for members of the education community, will help fund life-saving antenatal, obstetric and postnatal services for 11,000 refugee mothers and newborns in the DRC.
Support will include training healthcare workers, providing equipment such as infant incubating heaters and portable ultrasound machines, as well as medicines and safe birthing kits.
Announcing the partnership, Teachers Health CEO Brad Joyce said: “Our partnership with Australia for UNHCR allows us to take action and extend the reach of our health and wellbeing support, making a real and positive global impact where it’s urgently needed.”
Teachers Health will visit UNHCR operations in the DRC to see the impact of the partnership on healthcare services for women and their newborns. Members and staff will be able to connect with Australia for UNHCR’s work through workplace giving and fundraising events such as the World Refugee Day Breakfast. Teachers Health staff will also be able to get involved by hosting office fundraisers and creating teams in events such as the City2Surf.
“Teachers and health workers have been longstanding supporters of Australia for UNHCR, helping empower refugees with education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities,” says Australia for UNHCR National Director Naomi Steer.
“This support from Teachers Health comes at a critical time for UNHCR as record levels of displacement leave its global relief operations underfunded by almost half. I am very grateful to Teachers Health for taking a leadership role and supporting refugees through this important and innovative partnership.”
please contact Leigh Zimmermann on 02 9276 6843 or email [email protected]
Teachers Health has helped to improve maternal and neonatal care for Central African refugees and their hosts in DRC.
Saving the lives of mothers and newborns in the DRC
The majority of funds raised by Australia for UNHCR are directed to UNHCR’s emergency operations, providing the ready funds and resources to respond quickly and effectively in situations of crisis and disaster.