Projects

Pakistan

Registration of Child Advocacy International (Pakistan) was completed early in 2001. Project planning is now in hand as efforts are being made to secure funding to address some of the many medical and healthcare needs of the population.

Infant mortality in Pakistan is currently estimated to be in the region of 92/1000 live births (UK equivalent 6/1000) which, combined with a high level of under 5 mortality, provides a strong impetus to development of this programme.

The mortality rates are also mirrored by an equally unacceptable rate of disability due to untreated or poorly managed acute illnesses in babies and young children, who are the most vulnerable to the effects of poverty and lack of medical education on health.

As in many countries of the world, for parents with a sick child, a visit to hospital represents a last desperate attempt to save that youngster's life. It

is a decision not undertaken lightly and can involve considerable financial hardship accompanied by severe practical difficulties such as ensuring continuing care for other children and family members left at home.

Yet the quality of healthcare in hospitals often leaves much to be desired. Even after reaching hospital - or even being born there - children die needlessly, often in pain, or else they suffer serious complications - cross infection or brain damage - as a result of a lack of facilities and inadequate training for doctors and nurses.

Said Dr Assad Hafeez, CAI's Project Leader for Pakistan 'Time and time again, the quality of care during the first 60 minutes of treating a critically ill or injured child in hospital determines the future outcome for that youngster.

A child or baby who is quickly identified to be desperately unwell and who receives rapid appropriate treatment has a greater chance of survival with fewer long-term consequences, in particular an avoidance of brain injury.

Prompt, accurate diagnosis and swift, appropriate treatment saves children's lives and reduces their risk of disability.

It is this first, crucial, 60 minutes in particular which Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) training addresses. It will be just one are that will make a huge difference to children's lives in Pakistan'.

Although hospitals in Pakistan are relatively well staffed, much of the equipment is either faulty or out of order and most medicines have to be paid for by the patient or their family themselves.

In this situation, the level of medical skill and expertise available can mean the difference between life and death for a sick baby.

APLS training concentrates on developing medical skill, making use of simple techniques and equipment to save lives.

Educational Materials Afghanistan Albania Bosnia Cameroon India Kosovo Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Uganda Ukraine Zambia Past Projects	Projects Pakistan Registration of Child Advocacy International (Pakistan) was completed early in 2001. Project planning is now in hand as efforts are being made to secure funding to address some of the many medical and healthcare needs of the population. Infant mortality in Pakistan is currently estimated to be in the region of 92/1000 live births (UK equivalent 6/1000) which, combined with a high level of under 5 mortality, provides a strong impetus to development of this programme. The mortality rates are also mirrored by an equally unacceptable rate of disability due to untreated or poorly managed acute illnesses in babies and young children, who are the most vulnerable to the effects of poverty and lack of medical education on health. As in many countries of the world, for parents with a sick child, a visit to hospital represents a last desperate attempt to save that youngster's life. It is a decision not undertaken lightly and can involve considerable financial hardship accompanied by severe practical difficulties such as ensuring continuing care for other children and family members left at home. Yet the quality of healthcare in hospitals often leaves much to be desired. Even after reaching hospital - or even being born there - children die needlessly, often in pain, or else they suffer serious complications - cross infection or brain damage - as a result of a lack of facilities and inadequate training for doctors and nurses. Said Dr Assad Hafeez, CAI's Project Leader for Pakistan 'Time and time again, the quality of care during the first 60 minutes of treating a critically ill or injured child in hospital determines the future outcome for that youngster. A child or baby who is quickly identified to be desperately unwell and who receives rapid appropriate treatment has a greater chance of survival with fewer long-term consequences, in particular an avoidance of brain injury. Prompt, accurate diagnosis and swift, appropriate treatment saves children's lives and reduces their risk of disability. It is this first, crucial, 60 minutes in particular which Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) training addresses. It will be just one are that will make a huge difference to children's lives in Pakistan'. Although hospitals in Pakistan are relatively well staffed, much of the equipment is either faulty or out of order and most medicines have to be paid for by the patient or their family themselves. In this situation, the level of medical skill and expertise available can mean the difference between life and death for a sick baby. APLS training concentrates on developing medical skill, making use of simple techniques and equipment to save lives.

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