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Drones tested to deliver HIV diagnosis results

In an experimental first, the Malawi government and UNICEF tested the use of drones to explore cost-effective ways of reducing waiting times for HIV testing of infants.   The test, using simulated samples, has the potential of providing a high-speed delivery system for HIV diagnosis.  The week-long test of this innovative approach is intended to address challenges of providing HIV diagnosis results and treatment to hard-to-reach rural areas

Bad roads, poor transport, and lack of funds to access existing transport often force Africans to wait months for HIV test results and critical medical supplies.   Drones would dramatically reduce these waiting times.

 This innovation could be the breakthrough in overcoming transport challenges and associated delays experience by health works in remote areas of Malawi, said Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF representative.

According to Mdoe, in 2014, nearly 40,000 children in Malawi were born to HIV-positive mothers.   Quality care for these children depends on dearly diagnosis.

In 2014, about 10,000 children in Malawi died from HIV-related diseases and less than half of all children were on treatment.   Today it takes an average of 11 days for samples to get from a rural health center to the central laboratory for testing, and up to eight weeks for results to be delivered back.   The longer the delay between test and delivered results, the more detrimental it is to the patient.

One challenge is persuading African rural communities to accept new technology they have never seen.    The drone test was preceded by demonstrations allowing villagers to see and touch the drones.   Drones were also dismantled so people could see how they carried cargo.   “It’s very important that they are not fearful of the technology,” said UNICEF communications specialist Angela Travis.    “But all has gone without a hitch. . . .The reaction has been very positive.”

Initial delivery results were also positive and following the drone test cost will be evaluated and compared to UNICEF’s expenditure of $15 million annually just for delivery of blood samples.

“Malawi has pioneered a number of innovations in the delivery of HIV services, “said Malawi Minister of Health Dr. Peter Kumpalume.  “We believe our partnering with UNICEF to test drones is another innovation and will help in our drive to achieve the country’s goals in HIV prevention and treatment.”

Today is a day to celebrate the amazing results of the last 15 year fight against malaria.    World Malaria Day commemorates the date in 2000, when 44 African leaders met in Nigeria and committed their countries to reducing malaria-related deaths.

Between 2000 and 2015, malaria mortality has fallen by 60% globally, saving 6.2 million lives.  The number of malaria cases has fallen by 37% globally, and it is estimated that there have been 1.2 billion fewer malaria cases.  Fifty-seven countries reduced malaria incidence by more than 85%, and an additional 18 reduced malaria incidence by 50 to 75%.

UN Special Envoy for Health Ray Chambers calls the fight against malaria over the past 15 years one of the greatest success stories in the history of public health.

According to Mr. Chambers we did not accomplish all of this by chance:  “The last 15 years have shown us that only when we double down on efforts and move collectively toward clear, time-bound goals can we prevail over this age-old scourge.”

In addition to the 44 African leaders who pledged to take this path in 2000, Asian leaders have joined the fight.  Dozens of global partners have contributed funds, staff, supplies, and expertise to enable us to achieve these amazing results:   the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the US government, the UK government, millions of individuals who have donated to the many non-governmental agencies working to end malaria.

As Mr. Chambers reminds us, this is more than a numbers game—it means healthy children living past their 5^th birthdays and growing into talented young people who will drive innovation and burgeoning economies.  “The end of malaria is within our grasp,” he said.   “Now it is our collective obligation to meet the call:”   To end the malaria pandemic and eradicate the disease for good.

Children’s AIDS Fund International (CAFI) was one of 25 organizations awarded a grant from Allegra Printing in Dulles, VA. The Allegra Footprint Grant is awarded to local charities to help offset the organizations printing costs. This was the first time CAFI has received the award.

“Giving is more rewarding than receiving.” ~ John Flynn President, Allegra Print • Signs • Design

The FootPRINT Fund awards print services, through Allegra Print • Signs • Design in Dulles, to select nonprofit organizations to help enhance their image, expand their services and extend their printing budgets.
Annual grant funds have exceeded $110,000 since the program’s inception. The awards for the 2014 year total was $20,000 and the 2015 annual FootPrint Fund award will be $20,000 again

The Children’s AIDS Fund International (CAFI) operating under a MAXIMUS Foundation grant, in conjunction with local partner Children’s AIDS Fund Uganda (CAFU), implemented an oral health project for children infected by HIV/AIDS. This project’s impact is amazing. Please read just one of the many letters received from the grateful youth, parents and guardians reached.

I am taking this opportunity to thank the staff of Family Hope Centre for helping me treat my teeth and removing the bad ones. Before this treatment, I used to feel a lot of teeth ache but since you gave me this treatment, I now feel very good and have no more teeth pain. I also want to thank the doctor who taught us how to take good care of our teeth and brush daily three time. I see a very big change ever since I started following the doctors instruction. Thank you so much and God bless you. Please teach us more anytime you can, I will be very happy to listen and following my doctor’s instructions. Thank you again bye, bye.
Sincerely,
P. 5 (primary five) 11 years.

Dental caries is the world’s most common chronic disease, with 60 to 90% of school children having dental cavities

The seven month project (July 2015 to January 2016) was intended to reduce oral dental disease among HIV children and improve their quality of life. Dental services were provided by Uganda based RUN dental services.

Love. Caring. Affection. These are the cornerstones of relationships and what we celebrate on Valentine’s Day. In the U.S. we give dinners out, cards, chocolate and flowers to show those we love how much we care. Thousands of HIV impacted children never feel love, caring or affection, much less on Valentine’s Day.

Your gift to CAFI this Valentine’s Day will provide nutritious food, school fees, clothing or other essentials of life and will let HIV impacted children know that someone actually does remember them and care.

$60 for 1 year of Opportunistic Infection (OI) medicine for an adult or child. $35 provides one month HIV medicine for an individual. $75 will cover the cost of a goat which provides milk for a family.

Your gift this Valentine’s Day will let HIV impacted children know that someone actually does remember them and care.

Any amount you give this Valentine’s Day will be used by CAFI to provide love, caring and affection to these precious and often-forgotten HIV impacted children.

Thank you so much for your part in this life-saving work!

The Children’s AIDS Fund International (CAFI) operating under a MAXIMUS Foundation grant, in conjunction with local partner Children’s AIDS Fund Uganda (CAFU), implemented an oral health project for children infected by HIV/AIDS. The seven month project (July 2015 to January 2016) was intended to reduce oral dental disease amongst HIV children and improve their quality of life.  Dental services were provided by Uganda based RUN dental services.
According to the World Health Organization, dental caries is the world’s most common chronic disease, with 60 to 90% of school children having dental cavities.

Dental caries is the world’s most common chronic disease, with 60 to 90% of school children having dental cavities

The survival rates for children with perinatally acquired HIV infection have vastly improved in the past decade; but due to low social economic status, children with perinatally acquired HIV infection are more likely to suffer from dental carries due to their low immune status and the chronic use of syrups and sugar based drugs formulations.

The project operated in seven CAFU Health Facilities in 5 districts throughout Uganda. Over 800 children were served, including basic oral health education and screening for dental caries. Primary interventions (tooth extract and temporary fillings) were provided by the project and referrals were done for secondary interventions.
Both children and their parents/guardians were educated to the critical importance of oral hygiene to an individual’s overall health and well-being. CAFI hopes to continue providing vulnerable children these life saving programs with your continued support.

Browse the wide array of gifts for your consideration at the CAFI online store. Any gift you purchase will provide critical and tangible support for HIV-impacted children and their families.

Hand crafts made by HIV-impacted women:

Paper Beads
Placemats, Table runners and Table Cloths
Book Marks

Gifts of education and empowerment:

School Uniforms and Supplies
School fees for HIV-impacted children
Vocational training for vulnerable girls
Prevention education for youth
Specialized professional training and mentorship

Gifts of microenterprise and nutrition support: 

Pigs, chickens, goats to sell and provide food security
Seedlings for small family farmers

Gifts of medical care and treatment:        

Treatment for non-HIV health needs
Dental care
Eye exams and glasses

As you shop, please contact us with any questions. Any gift you purchase will generate a card from CAFI to be given by you or sent directly to your recipient by CAFI.

Thank you for giving purposeful gifts of health, hope and happiness this holiday season!

As we observe World AIDS Day help us achieve our goal of an AIDS Free Generation

In 2015, we know what it takes to prevent HIV infections and improve the lives of people living with HIV. We have witnessed the success of treatment and care through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and The Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria and their partners. According to UNAIDS:

– AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 43% since the peak in 2004
– 15.8 million people are accessing antiretroviral therapy
– 36.9 million people are globally are living with HIV
– New HIV infections have fallen by 35% since 2000

 

We are on the way to achieving an AIDS-free generation. But we’re not there yet

UNAIDS also reports that in 2014, 2 million people became newly infected with HIV and 1.2 million people died from AIDS-related causes.

UNICEF reports that the number of adolescent deaths from AIDS has tripled over the last 15 years, and that AIDS is the number one cause of death among adolescents in Africa and the second leading cause of death among adolescents globally. Adolescents are the only population group for which mortality figures are not decreasing.

Renewed efforts worldwide are focused on targeting resources to the hardest-hit and most vulnerable populations to not just maintain but to accelerate the momentum of this epic battle. Achieving the goal of an AIDS-free generation will take the united and unwavering commitment of each one of us.

On this World AIDS Day, Act Now to join the fight to end AIDS once and for all!

Just one week to go until Giving Tuesday, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 join the Children’s AIDS Fund International and the worldwide community as we celebrate generosity.
Join CAFI and be a part of a new global tradition of generosity. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. It’s a simple idea and is a great and easy way to support HIV impacted children.
Visit the Children’s AIDS Fund International website at www.childrensaidsfund.org find the donate button in the right side of the screen and click select. It is that simple.
This is an effective and easy way to support CAFI’S ongoing programs to limit the suffering of HIV impacted children worldwide