Mwanga WA OSHUN PROGRAM
Public Health
MWO Public Health
Mwanga Wa Oshun Program (MWO) is focused on promoting the health of vulnerable groups — women, girls, newborns, and children under five. Most deaths in Lubumbashi are strongly related to communicable diseases which can be prevented. Although infant mortality rates are decreasing, it remains a concern in Lubumbashi. Malaria, malnutrition and diarrhea are all common concerns which are being addressed. Communicable diseases could be treated and prevented under stable conditions. Mwanga Wa Oshun (MWO) is working to reduce the prevalence of diseases such as malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS and now Covid-19.
Infant mortality remains a large problem in Lubumbashi. Infant mortality is related to poor health care, lack of birth control, lack of safe sex supplies and lack of training. The most affected individuals are not educated. There is a great Distance of over 20 miles between the community and closest health clinic. MWO is providing clean birthing kits to the women of Lubumbashi. Due to the high infant mortality rates, family planning has been included in the health program. The infant mortality rate 68.2/1000 babies.
Malnutrition is a major concern for the people of Lubumbashi. Lack of proper nutrition causes health deficiencies. Three out of five children are malnourished. MWO assists with malnourishment via purchasing seeds, fertilizers, farming equipment and farmland. MWO provides farming students with the proper tools and education to benefit the program. With the Farming program, MWO also encourages food preservation. We teach women to make peanut butter and yogurt as part of the farming program.
Lack of good drugstores is a problem in DRC. With only Chinese medicines being supplied, many times the vulnerable remain ill. Malaria is common but it is curable with proper medication and treatment.
The refugees on our site are doing well. Many of our refugees are children ages 5-12 escaping Barunda and Rwanda. As a preventative measure, they have been tested for Covid-19 by United Nation upon entry into Lubumbashi. MWO also assist with providing free mask and hand washing stations throughout the community to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
