Here is some wonderful news for moms and babies! The Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the 27th country to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus since Kiwanis International’s members dedicated themselves to fighting this horrible but preventable disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) presented the official report validating elimination to Democratic Republic of the Congo’s minister of health earlier this month in recognition of the country’s efforts.
Kiwanis has partnered with UNICEF, whose goal is to immunize women of reproductive age in high-risk areas of the 12 remaining countries by the end of 2020.
The money Kiwanis is raising pays for vaccinations, as well as transportation, volunteer training, monitoring and supervision. Raised funds also pay health care workers and skilled birthing attendants — so that mothers give birth in clean, safe environments.