Y4GH Finds Purpose in Senegal
July 12 - 21 Youth for Global Health & Social Justice traveled to Dakar, Senegal to study water and health associated conditions and to explore Senegalese culture.
Defining Our Mission
Youth for Global Health & Social Justice (Y4GH) is an initiative for the United Nations, our specific focus is Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #6.
Sustainable Development Goal 6 is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. It calls for clean water and sanitation for all people. The official wording is: "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Sustainable Development Goal 6 is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. It calls for clean water and sanitation for all people. The official wording is: "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
In Medina, a city adjacent to Dakar, Senegal, most residents have no running water or toilets in their homes. Below Y4GH students visited a public toilet and shower facility. Despite the critical need and unclean conditions residents must pay to use this facility.
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(Above)
Without running water in their homes, residents are forced to walk to a water facility, purchase water and walk back home.
Without running water in their homes, residents are forced to walk to a water facility, purchase water and walk back home.
Y4GH clinical students visit primary care clinic in Medina. (Below)
According to a study carried out between 2005 and 2009, an estimated 19% of newborns are born underweight.
Although recent efforts have been made in Senegal, children’s health remains a serious problem. Polio continues to be a concern due to lack of vaccinations. Malaria is also still widespread and is becoming more and more serious; this disease is the cause of close to 30% of children’s deaths in the country, leading to anemia and miscarriages for pregnant women.
Children also suffer from diarrhea and iodine deficiency. More than 80% are anemic.
Although recent efforts have been made in Senegal, children’s health remains a serious problem. Polio continues to be a concern due to lack of vaccinations. Malaria is also still widespread and is becoming more and more serious; this disease is the cause of close to 30% of children’s deaths in the country, leading to anemia and miscarriages for pregnant women.
Children also suffer from diarrhea and iodine deficiency. More than 80% are anemic.
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In Senegal almost half the population, 47%, live below the poverty level. However, children are most vulnerable, their rights are disregarded and they face problems like hunger, access to drinking water, homelessness and human trafficking.
Below Y4GH students distribute shoes, clothing and snacks to children on the streets.
Below Y4GH students distribute shoes, clothing and snacks to children on the streets.
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