I will be making many stops in my journey around the world! Three of these stops are in Swaziland, Botswana, and South Africa. One of the major issues is poverty for these three countries. There are many problems that arise from poverty, one of these being disease. Disease is one of the worst problems in Africa. The following statistics demonstrate the prevalence of this issue:
– In the United States and Europe, only about .002 of every 1,000 children die before their fifth birthday. In Africa, .165% of every 1,000 children are dead by age 5.
– In the United States, average life expectancy is seventy-eight. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is just forty- seven, and worse for those impacted by HIV/ AIDS. The life expectancy with HIV/AIDS is between thirty-five and forty.
There are various diseases that cause for the deaths of children younger than five. Some of these diseases are: Pneumonia, birth complications, malaria, measles, AIDS, neonatal illnesses, and more.
Malaria, Tuberculosis, and AIDS result in over 5 million deaths a year and more than half a billion new infections, most of this happening in the world’s poorest countries. The poor are exposed to situations and conditions that are attacking their health. When their health is compromised, they are then unable to have the energy to do daily activities, which limits capability and kills their children. These issues could be could be addressed but they are not always in places where doctors and medicine are available. Overall, poverty leads to poor health, which leads to greater poverty.
As a world racer, I will be witnessing these issues first hand. I am nervous, yet excited to go out there and help in any way possible. This could be through helping with anything from teaching education to helping build a house. It will break my heart seeing these conditions, but there is power in knowing that God is always prevailing and helping rise up against problems facing these people and their country. As I prepare for this journey, I am praying to prepare our hearts and theirs for meaningful and purposeful conversations. Also, as I get ready to go, if this is something you believe in and have the heart for the people all over the world, I ask that you support me. Help support me to help these people to take a step towards a better life.
Thank you!
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