UNICEF's Journey: The Fight

A UNICEF staff explains: “When these mothers give birth at home, they more than likely give birth on the ground -- lying on leaves, where there’s tetanus spores…[some of the materials] that are used are not safe and hygienic. They use bamboo, razor blades that are not sterilized, or scissors that are not sterilized.” This moving video educates viewers on what Kiwanis & UNICEF are doing and why your help is so necessary. It documents UNICEF's trip to underserved areas as well as footages of babies with MNT.

What Causes MNT?

• Tetanus spores are found everywhere in the soil and ground, where mothers give birth. When they come in contact to cuts from childbirth, mothers and babies contract the disease.
• The bamboo stick in the picture is a tool used in the birthing process, which is not clean or safe.
• The are high mortality rates in developing countries where there is no medical aid, poverty is prevalent, and locations are remote.
• Fortunately, the disease can be easily prevented with a an inexpensive vaccine as well as safe childbirth practices.

Countries Eliminated - Progress Made

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2018 (the latest available estimate), 25,000 newborns died from NT.

It is an 88% reduction from the situation in 2000, with a figure of 200,000.

MNT-related deaths are "indicators of inequity in access to immunization and other maternal, newborn, and child health services...as is often the case in low income countries. Fortunately, "MNT deaths can be easily prevented by hygienic delivery and cord care practices, and/or by immunizing children and women with Tetanus Toxoid Containing Vaccines (TTCV), that are inexpensive and very efficacious."

As of June 2020, there are only 12 COUNTRIES left to eliminate. Your donations are certainly impactful. Everyone can be a hero!

#Eliminate

Poverty perpetuates cycles of death. Tetanus spores will always exist. Childbirth causes open cuts and mothers and babies to get MNT. They have no help, no vaccines, and unsanitary materials. No one will ever be safe from MNT. YOU can end this!

It is an 88% reduction from the situation in 2000, with a figure of 200,000.

MNT-related deaths are "indicators of inequity in access to immunization and other maternal, newborn, and child health services...as is often the case in low income countries. Fortunately, "MNT deaths can be easily prevented by hygienic delivery and cord care practices, and/or by immunizing children and women with Tetanus Toxoid Containing Vaccines (TTCV), that are inexpensive and very efficacious."

Your donations are certainly impactful. Everyone can be a hero!

How You Can Help

With your fundraising and monetary donations, UNICEF, along with Kiwanis International will provide vaccinations and other life-saving measures for women in developing countries. This partnership is known as the Eliminate Project. So far, nearly 100 million women have already been vaccinated against the disease, but some countries still have yet to eliminate MNT. Learn how everyone can save our children of the world under the tab, “TAKE ACTION!”