There is a tremendous lack of qualified health personnel in all poor countries, and it is often only the rich who can afford health care services. The consequences for poor people are significant. Reproductive health is one of the greatest challenges. It is estimated that approximately 350,000 women die each year in connection with pregnancy and childbirth.
Through our global programme ‘Access to quality health care’, Norwegian Church Aid will contribute to improving basic health care services for poor people. Faith-based organisations are central partners for us in many countries. These organisations often have a long tradition in health care, particularly in sub-Saharan countries. Faith-based organisations provide up to 50% of health care services in many countries.
Our work
- Strengthening the capacity of faith-based health institutions who offer good quality health care services to the poor, with particular emphasis on maternal health
- Mobilising civil society to advocate for universal access to quality health care services and for affordable prices for the poor
- Advocating for strong, efficient and accountable public services
- Linking Norwegian health institutions with faith-based health actors in the south, with a view to mutual capacity development
Where we work
The following countries are included in the ‘Access to quality health care’ programme: Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Malawi, Sudan, Western Sahara and Palestine OT.
All of these countries have major challenges concerning access to quality health care for their poorest citizens. A common future challenge will be strengthening the role and contribution of faith-based health service providers within national health systems.
Examples of projects
Norwegian Church Aid has had substantial health programmes for many years and, beginning in 2011, this will be an area of priority for us.
- In Malawi, we support a health education programme in cooperation with the Norwegian Nurses Organisation, in which we are contributing to the education of more nurses.
- In East Jerusalem, we are contributing with cancer treatments for Palestinian patients at Augusta Victoria Hospital.
- In border areas between Thailand and Burma, we are contributing with basic health care services for refugees and marginalised groups.
- In Western Sahara, we have a nutrition programme for refugees.
- In Sudan, we are working to build up solid local health systems.
Health issues are also closely related to many of our other global thematic programmes, such as ‘Gender-based violence’, ‘Social mitigation of HIV and AIDS’ and ‘Water, Sanitation and Hygiene’.
Networks and cooperation
Norwegian Church aid is part of a network of diakonal health institutions in Norway and, through this network, we have access to specialised skills and knowledge of the highest class.
The World Council of Churches is currently our most important global partner on health issues, particularly in terms of advocacy. Additionally, Norwegian Church Aid is a member of the Norwegian Health Network for Development.