Why Options for Children
There is no effective way way to reach enormous populations in rural Zambia even today. Options has found a unique way of doing that…
820,000 people in rural Zambia live without basic health care
Like many developing nations, Zambia has daunting health problems, such as HIV-AIDS, malaria, medication-resistant tuberculosis, other infectious diseases and high maternal and infant mortality. Governments and major NGOs address many of these burdens. Options, being a small and grass roots-based operation, focuses primarily on different but equally important issues. Dental decay and illnesses from sickle cell cause as much time lost from school and work as all of the diseases mentioned above.
But access to better health options means education, income and health — especially for women and children.
Good Health Changes Everything
health implications
Oral health is more important than you might realize. A study in 2008 found that bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could increase the risk of heart disease, and another study in 2010 found a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. People in the study who had gum inflammation were nine times more likely to get a lower score on cognitive tests.
A person with Sickle cell can live a long and high quality life. People with sickle cell disease can lower their chances of difficulty from diseases and enjoy normal life activities by getting regular checkups, practicing healthy habits, and following treatments prescribed by their doctors. Currently, diagnostic screening in Iow resource settings of Zambia is not possible. Although there is no cure for sickle cell disease, early detection enabled by screening, significantly improves survival and life quality of afflicted individuals.
Access to hinterlands
“Two Zambias,” the Zambia adjacent to its road and rail system and another, remote hinterlands, present unique challenges. Even native Zambians born and raised in larger towns or the capitol city of Lusaka do not comprehend the lack of health services available to their rural countrymen. Limited medical and social assistance is available to children living in urban areas, but for children living with HIV/AIDS and other health problems in the remote countryside, services are virtually non-existent.
education
Children with good oral health have better school attendance, self-confidence and general wellbeing. While no cure exists for sickle cell disease, early detection enabled by screening significantly improves survival and life quality of afflicted individuals
the women
Women are responsible for taking care of children and the wellbeing of the families in sub-saharan Africa. When a community gets proper health care, women and girls get their lives back. They start businesses, participate in microfinance programs, improve their homes, and take charge of their own lives.
Ways to Support Options for Children
Give $30
and provide dentistry to a community for a month
Ask for donations
instead of gifts and your birthday will change lives
Make a purchase
Purchase jewelry handmade in Zambia; proceeds benefit village women!