Disease Prevention in Rural India

A quarter of the world's children infected with intestinal worms are found in India, where 26% of deaths in under-14s are attributed to diarrheal disease. Contracted via contact with contaminated soil and water sources, intestinal worms is a painful and uncomfortable disease leading to anaemia and nutritional deficiencies that result in long term physical and cognitive disabilities. Gabriel Project Mumbai (GPM), a development organization working in urban slums and underserved rural villages in India, has teamed up with NALA, an Israeli Public Health organization with a track record in disease prevalence reduction, to sustainably eliminate intestinal worms, reduced cases of malnutrition, and improve health and well-being in the community. Intestinal worms disproportionally impact marginalized and impoverished populations, associated with a lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), compounded by limited knowledge about transmission and prevention. Both the cause and consequence of malnutrition, intestinal worms can be contained, prevented, and eliminated through simple and effective health measures. The Bal Balwaan nutrition mission includes a comprehensive set of activities that aims to both directly treat children with malnutrition and address the root causes of diseases through health education. The materials, developed in partnership with the community, will empower healthcare workers to improve the community's health through better understanding transmission and prevention of diseases. The collaboration of these two organizations with aligned values and approaches, including a community-led and holistic approach, implemented by local staff, offers an opportunity for real change in the community. Donate today and give communities the opportunity to live a healthier life.