maternal neonatal tetanus
what is it?
This past May, Key Clubbers around the world have been raising awareness for the Eliminate Project which combats Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, also known as MNT. Mothers and babies are at high risk of infections due to deliveries in unhygienic circumstances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus has been among the most common life threatening consequences of unclean deliveries and umbilical cord care practices, and are indicators of inequity in access to immunization and other maternal, newborn, and child health services.” The excruciating disease kills one newborn every 17 minutes.
how can we help?
MNT cannot be eradicated, but if we help get immunizations for children and mothers, we can help eliminate it. The number of deaths due to MNT can be easily prevented by hygienic delivery and cord care practices, and/or by immunizing children and women with Tetanus Toxoid Containing Vaccines (TTCV). Just $1.80 can help save a mother and her future babies. UNICEF and partners have eliminated MNT in 47 countries, but MNT remains a threat to mothers and newborns in 12 countries. Donating spare change to projects such as the Eliminate Project, and even simply raising awareness about it can enlighten others of the effects of MNT.
what is the eliminate project? The Eliminate Project is a collaboration of Kiwanis and UNICEF and is dedicated to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) by providing vaccines to women to protect her and her future children. In the month of May, Key Club International held their Eliminate Week from May 4th to 8th, raising awareness with and raising money to donate to the Eliminate Project. We passed our division goal of $600 by raising $788.87. We beat our goal by close to $200! Thank you for those who participated in Eliminate Week and our Change-for-Change Fundraiser!
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