For children living in poverty, sickness and disease can be life threatening without access to timely medical support and intervention.
Maintaining good physical health is an important part of Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program. But this represents a significant challenge within the context of poverty and disadvantaged communities.
Through generous supporters, the Health Critical Need covers expenses when unforeseen circumstances in a child’s life arise such as accidents, disease or the need for surgery. It means children in Compassion’s programs can receive the specific care and treatment they need to remain healthy.
This may include:
- Costs of surgery
- Treatment for illness or injury
- Provision of food and nutritional support for malnourished children
- Vision, hearing and dental needs
- Mobility needs
- Specialist care and support
When you give to Health you also invest in initiatives that improve quality of life and focus on preventative measures. This means children will learn to keep themselves healthy throughout their lives.
Why health is so important
Girls account for nearly two-thirds of all new HIV infections among adolescents (15-19 years old)
More than three quarters of all malaria deaths worldwide occur in children under five
Close to one-fifth of all children under five remain undernourished
An estimated 19.4 million infants worldwide miss out on basic vaccines
Sources: UNAIDS; WHO; World Bank
Health Stories
Feature Story
When Looking Different Makes You Fear For Your Life
In addition to the difficulties of growing up in poverty, Yona was born with a disease which makes his white skin stand out in stark contrast to his friends in Tanzania. It causes severe medical issues, but worse of all, it causes him to live in fear for his life.
Restoring Hope to a Teenager With Albinism
Being born with albinism in Africa can be dangerous. Thought to possess magical powers, people with albinism have been hunted and killed for their body parts. This is Grace’s story.
What Food do Children Get from Compassion?
Each time Compassion assisted children attend their child development centres, they are given a nutritious meal or snack to help in their development. Since we work in 26 different countries, each unique in their cultures, resources and needs, Pria in India’s nutritional needs will be different to Yohan’s in El Salvador.