Church support leads to health checks, millions of children’s vaccinations

In four days, millions of children were vaccinated against preventable and deadly diseases in Ghana, West Africa, thanks to donations and support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ghana Health Services launched a nationwide campaign in Oct. 1, to provide free vaccinations against measles and rubella – the most deadly childhood diseases in the country next to malaria.

Lockdowns and shutdowns related to the COVID-19 outbreak disrupted the immunization schedule for many children under 5 years of age, and since then there have been many preventable diseases.

The Church’s contribution helped with press coverage that provided information about the campaign in several languages ​​spoken throughout Ghana, explained the Church of Africa.

Marian Esiape, the director of the Church’s welfare and welfare services in the West African region, explained the Church’s interest in participating.

“During his ministry on earth, Jesus Christ showed unwavering love for children, he healed the sick, he took care of the poor and the needy. His compassion continues to inspire us today,” said Esiape. “Following His example, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are dedicated to serving those in need, and today, with a special focus on children. Through volunteer work, partnerships and general donations, we reach communities around the world that provide healing, support and tools for self-reliance.”

Meanwhile, in September, Seteki Takoradi Ghana worked with the Takoradi District Hospital to organize a free health screening at the observation center for members of the community and the Church.

Tests included heart rate monitoring, heart rate monitoring, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, weight, height and more. Juliet Mensah, a member of the caste, said: “We are lucky to get these free medical tests. These tests would be expensive. ”

Several health professionals from the hospital participated. The medical director, Dr. George Peprah, praised the health and well-being of the Latter-day Saints because of the teachings of the Church such as the Word of Wisdom. “Members keep themselves healthy. “Almost everyone we have visited is healthy,” he said.

When asked why he came, one of the nurses mentioned how the Church donated medical supplies to the hospital and said, “You gave us a lot. This is the least we can do. ”

Free medical and dental care in Ecuador

For four days in September in several cities in Ecuador, South America, the Church and the Love Project worked together to provide free medical and dental care to people in need.

General practitioners and dentists from Ecuador and the United States volunteered their time and talents to care for 750 patients – applying ointments, cleaning and removing them and distributing essential medicines.

“The experience was very touching,” said Myrna Fernelius, president of the Love Project in the Ecuador Church Newsroom. “Many elderly people and children rewarded the efforts of the professionals who gave their support selflessly with their smiles. Each patient received more than medical care; an expression of Christian love and a moment of consolation.”

Child nutrition program in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the Church provides child nutrition assessments at the relevant institutions. In July, the Makati East Philippines Association held a children’s nutrition screening at a meeting house in Taguig City.

This effort is part of the Church’s worldwide efforts for women and children. In partnership with local health workers, the Relief Society leads efforts to help Church members in many areas around the world to find support, connect with community resources and learn about proper nutrition for their children – especially those under the age of 5.

In that free event, 59 children were examined, and six pregnant mothers were examined by doctors.

Dr. Don Kenneth Parde, an emergency medicine resident who participated, told the Church of the Philippines Newsroom that he was happy to be part of such an important work, considering the dangers of malnutrition among children in the area. .

“We are able to help by advising mothers and children, especially about food, and checking if the children are getting proper nutrition,” he said.