Health services save lives
If basic healthcare were available for all children and mothers, millions of lives could be saved. This is why we focus on strengthening the health systems in the developing countries where we work.
In Sierra Leone’s Kroo Bay, Sunkari lost her baby Kadiatu. “She was sick with diarrhoea. The doctor told me to pay £15 but I only had £4. He wouldn't look at my baby. He just got in his car and drove away. Why did my baby die? If I'd had £15 I could have bought medicine for my baby.”
We’re helping build stronger health systems by:
- campaigning for more health workers
- lobbying national and regional governments to devote resources to strengthening their health systems
- influencing international opinion to ensure that health is a priority for all and that rich countries and international organisations take action
- supporting local health staff to deliver better health services
- providing equipment, transport and health facilities to support government health systems
- campaigning against the user fees which deter poor people from seeking healthcare
- providing health services in places where healthcare is virtually non-existent.
Read more about why strong health systems are needed, and what we’re calling for.