Why children need our special help
Children are the most affected by hunger, poverty and crises worldwide - and progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is lagging dramatically behind. The situation is particularly critical in the areas of poverty, health, education and protection: if nothing changes, almost two billion children in over 140 countries will grow up without prospects for the future by 2030 .
But children are not only the most vulnerable members of our society - they are also its future. Decisive action is needed right now. humedica is committed to ensuring that children in need are not forgotten - and are given hope for a better life.
Medical aid for children in need
Great progress has been made worldwide over the past two decades: The mortality rate of children under the age of five has fallen by more than half since 2000. However, according to WHO and UN reports, almost 5 million children still die every year before their fifth birthday - mostly from preventable or treatable causes such as pneumonia, diarrheal diseases or complications at birth. Children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are particularly affected, where poverty, conflict and a lack of infrastructure severely restrict access to medical care. To meet this challenge, humedica is strengthening healthcare for children worldwide - through medical aid, prevention programs and targeted support for the most affected regions.
Project examples
humedica initiatives worldwide: Health for children and families
humedica improves basic medical care for children and families worldwide. This includes equipping and operating clinics and health centers (e.g. in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Ethiopia), providing emergency medical aid after disasters such as earthquakes or conflicts (Myanmar, South Sudan) and deploying mobile medical teams to reach remote or war-affected regions (Ukraine, Nepal).
These measures give children and families access to vital diagnostics, medication, preventative care and acute treatment - often for the first time in their lives.
A particular focus is on the care of mothers and newborns. humedica sets up safe birthing rooms, supports pregnant women with midwife assistance and strengthens the early care of children (e.g. Lebanon, Ethiopia, Afghanistan). In addition, local specialists are trained and equipped with modern equipment (e.g. ultrasound) to ensure that births are safe and complications are detected in good time.
Healthy development of children is not possible without food and clean water. humedica combats malnutrition through prevention, screening and therapeutic food (Madagascar, South Sudan) and provides clean drinking water with water facilities and treatment measures (e.g. Pakistan, Niger). In addition, families are supported through school meal programs, climate-friendly agriculture and income projects (e.g. Brazil, Kenya) in order to create long-term food security.
Wars, flight and poverty leave deep scars - especially on children. humedica offers psychological counseling and treatment and supports children and their families with psychosocial work (e.g. Ukraine, Lebanon). This gives those affected stability and hope in a life situation characterized by uncertainty.
Sustainable health also means preventing diseases. That is why humedica organizes awareness campaigns on hygiene, nutrition and health (e.g. in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Myanmar) and imparts knowledge about human rights and disaster prevention (Nepal). In Ethiopia, for example, humedica trains health workers. They inform their communities about hygiene, vaccinations and disease outbreaks - thus helping to share knowledge, prevent diseases and strengthen the health system from within.
Sustainable aid also means preventing diseases, emergencies and social risks at an early stage. This is why humedica focuses on targeted prevention and awareness-raising work. In various countries, humedica organizes information campaigns on hygiene, nutrition and health (e.g. in Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Myanmar) as well as on disaster prevention and basic human rights (e.g. in Nepal).
In Ethiopia, for example, humedica trains health workers. They pass on their knowledge in the communities, provide information about hygiene, vaccinations and disease outbreaks and thus strengthen the local healthcare system in the long term.
In Sri Lanka, a particular focus is on prevention among children and young people: humedica supports schools in protecting young people from drug abuse and sensitizing them to the responsible use of social media. Through education, teaching values and empowering teachers and pupils, risks are identified at an early stage and children are protected in the long term.
Securing food and clean water
In many regions of Africa, water scarcity is omnipresent: only around a quarter of people south of the Sahara have access to clean drinking water. Diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis spread unhindered - which is particularly dangerous for children. According to the WHO, around 1,000 children under the age of five die every day as a result of contaminated water and a lack of hygiene.
Water shortages and polluted sources not only lead to infectious diseases, but also to malnutrition: without water, fields cannot grow, livestock dies and families lose their livelihoods. Millions of children are affected by hunger, stunted growth and a weakened immune system.
Climate change is exacerbating the situation: droughts, floods and dried-up rivers are causing water sources to disappear, while demand is increasing worldwide. Without clean water and healthy food, there can be no health, no development and no peace.
humedica helps with the rehabilitation of wells and water facilities, the provision of drinking water, education about hygiene and nutrition programs for children and families.
Project examples
Education and protection – opening up prospects for children
Education, protection and emotional support are just as important for children as food and medical aid. humedica gives children new perspectives - through drug prevention and social media sensitization in Sri Lanka and in a day care centre in Brazil, through psychological support in Ukraine and aid campaigns for children in Eastern Europe. This not only gives them knowledge and a sense of security, but also hope for a better future.
Empowering young people in Sri Lanka
humedica supports schools in protecting children and young people at an early age and strengthening them in their personal development. A particular focus is on drug prevention and raising awareness of responsible use of social media.
Project examples
Children at the heart of sustainable development
We are convinced that the future of our world depends crucially on whether children can grow up healthy, safe and with prospects. Access to food, clean water, medical care and education are the foundations for this. Only if children are supported and protected in their development can they develop their potential and, as adults, help to shape a society characterized by peace, justice and prosperity.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ), humedica is committed to ensuring that children around the world are not left behind. Our projects specifically strengthen their rights, ensure their survival in acute crises and open up opportunities for a better future.
Your regular donation changes children's lives
Children in need need more than one-off help - they need a secure future. With your regular donation, you help to secure education, medical care and protection in the long term.
