Why we are needed
Poor health care coupled with often inadequate access to drinking water and sanitary facilities means that neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy, dengue, leishmaniasis, elephantiasis, rabies and worm diseases are widespread in Jaffna and Killinochchi. In addition, the north of the country has been shaken by decades of civil war. Many people suffered physical and mental trauma and live with a disability due to war injuries and untreated NTDs. Many people have missing or disappeared family members as a result of the war - around 40,000 families in the project area are headed by women. The majority of these families are in debt and receive no financial assistance.
Since the beginning of 2023, we have screened 10,500 people for neglected tropical diseases through door-to-door screenings... Since the beginning of 2023, we have screened 10,500 people for neglected tropical diseases through door-to-door screenings... ...and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, ...and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, 2,240 schoolchildren, farmers, and health workers educated about leprosy, dengue fever, rabies, snake bites, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever, 2,240 schoolchildren, farmers, and health workers educated about leprosy, dengue fever, rabies, snake bites, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever, 292 people with disabilities regularly visited and... 292 people with disabilities regularly visited and... ...supports them with ramps, toilets, and aids, as well as... ...supports them with ramps, toilets, and aids, as well as... ...387 family members trained in caring for people with disabilities. ...387 family members trained in caring for people with disabilities.
«Hope»
As is usual for FAIRMED, this project was also named by the local people and the name shows what they want most. Because “Vaiharai” literally means ‘dawn’ and figuratively stands for “hope”.
How we work
Through our efforts, we are improving the health of over 700,000 people in the two districts Jaffna and Killinochchi. With targeted measures, we help local people to break the vicious circle of poverty and disease: Our focus is particularly on people with disabilities, those affected by neglected tropical diseases and families headed by women. Among other things, we fight NTDs with the involvement of all stakeholders. We educate the population on how to recognize the first signs of the diseases themselves at an early stage and what they can do to promote their own health. We increase the knowledge and skills of healthcare staff and ensure that all healthcare facilities are equipped as needed (e.g. with medicines).
Would you like to learn more about how we work?
Do you have questions on the project?
If so, Fabio Molinari, our interim project manager for Nepal and Sri Lanka, will be happy to help. You can reach him by e-mail at info@fairmed.ch.
Your donation helps
Every donation, regardless of its amount, is valuable and is used by us worldwide to improve the health of the poorest.
