Our Target Population and Beneficiaries
It is not possible to simplify the nature of the problems we encounter daily by listing a set of conditions
or health issues that define this population. Nonetheless, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, high infant mortality,
HIV infection, under-nutrition, skin diseases and the continued presence of polio infection and its complications
are among the most significant health issues. However, the situation is even more complex than the list of
diseases represents.
The health of people in our target communities is intricately tied to poverty, illiteracy, corruption, gender inequality and the hopelessness experienced by people of low social class. Many people have a world view that does not extend beyond the boundaries of their villages. Many villages do not have schools. Most villages do not have a single toilet or pit latrine. Some low caste peoples are landless. They may not know when their next meal will come. Many have no dreams. And some have a self-esteem that is so low that they feel unworthy to approach an educated health worker or doctor when they are ill. Can any of us imagine that level of despair?
So, these are the people we work with daily as we continue to explore creative ways to enable them to assume more control over their own health, the health of their families and the health of their communities.
