4/28/25: Where We Stand
Today, with the abrupt gutting of PEPFAR and USAID last February, sub-Saharan Africa faces a return to the dire health statistics not seen since the turn of the Millenium 25 years ago. Since I first came to Africa in 2008, there have been improvements every year in the incidence and mortality of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB. That is now changed.
According to The Lancet Medical Journal, the current (but everchanging) 90-day funding freeze in PEPFAR funding alone (not including USAID) is projected to result in 60,000 extra deaths from AIDS. The study looked at data from 7 sub-Saharan countries. The effect on all of sub-Saharan Africa would be multitudes greater. (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370%2825%2900165-8/fulltext)
The mission of the SCF is to improve health care out- comes in Tanzania. We improve medical infrastructure by bringing solar powered electricity to hospitals, clinics and schools that need it most in western Tanzania. With free and consistent electricity, medical technology can advance to 21st century health care.
Our plan for 2025 is to bring solar powered electricity to small, rural health care clinics known as outreach clinics. These outreach clinics care for a poor, rural population that cannot get to district hospitals. They are often reach the clinic by foot or bicycle. There are no parking lots because these patients don’t own cars.
Last February we visited four rural outreach clinics. All four clinics lack consistent, reliable electricity, one clinic had no electricity at all. The healthcare providers there treat Malaria, they provide obstetrical, gynecology and well-baby care. 10 to 20 % of the patient population is HIV/ AIDS positive. We hope to start construction at one clinic this summer or fall.
As global health responds to the current self-inflicted instability, the Sandy Christman Foundation may need to change our mission to more direct healthcare. With the help of our donors and supporters we will adapt and work to restore health care stability to places that need it most.
No one should have to deliver health care in the dark.
