Sunita’s Story Sunita’s youngest child, Palak is three years old and severely malnourished. Sunita is illiterate. She could not read health information provided. Community Health Volunteers worked with Sunita to bring Palek to the Asha Health Centre They monitored the health of the child and gave her supplementary vitamins Now Palek is recovering and Sunita is more aware of the health needs of her children

Seema’s Story When Seema Giri’s daughter was born, her husband and parents-in-law threw the child into a well because they wanted a boy child. Seema lived on streets, begging for a living. Seema joined the Child Survival Programme to help improve her nutrition Now she can get help and support for her children

Fikirte Amsalu’s story At three months pregnant, Fikirte’s husband left and never came back. Both she and her 11 month old baby boy are HIV positive and suffered from depression, pain, and loneliness. Through Child Survival Programme she is part of a program which pays attention to the well- being of her and her child. Fikirte says, I feel like all of the people in this church are my relatives. I see a future for my child and want to see my child grow and go to school then achieve something good.

Goal 4: is to reduce child mortality rates Goal 5: is to improve maternal health Yet… one mother dies every minute in childbirth.

Goal 5 has two objectives: a)To Reduce By Three Quarters The Maternal Mortality Ratio Most maternal deaths could be avoided. b)To Achieve Universal Access To Reproductive Health Despite progress, only 1 in 3 rural women receive recommended pregnancy care Poverty and lack of education mean women have little choice about their lives.

Why? It comes down to Poverty & Prejudice 1.Women have little voice and few rights. 2.Poverty keeps her working after giving birth 3.Lack of education and literacy. 4.Lack of access to healthcare

Goal 4 has the objective to reduce the under five mortality rate by two thirds, between 1990 and Child deaths are falling, but not quickly enough to reach the target.

Why? Once again, Poverty & Prejudice 1.Girls don’t count! 2.Lack of healthcare 3.Lack of Sanitation and clean water 4.Lack of education

EDUCATING girls Breaks the Cycle of Poverty Value girls Eating well Health care Hygiene Immunise A girl who receives 6 years of schooling increases the rate of pre and postnatal child survival.

TEAR Fund’s Christian partners will provide: Improved nutrition, supplements and family planning training Access to healthcare facilities and immunisations Education and income generating skills Women’s empowerment and child advocacy / education programme