Florida Key Club's Sunshine Source Vol X No 3 Sep 2014

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Maternal and neonatal tetanus is a usually fatal branch of tetanus
that causes convulsions and heightened sensitivity to the mother
and children affected. It is contracted when tetanus spores from soil
come in contact with open cuts during childbirth, which usually occurs
when unsafe birthing techniques and unsterilized equipment are
used. Because of this, maternal and neonatal tetanus is especially
rampant in under-developed countries in Asia and Africa, killing
thousands of mothers and over 60,000 newborns yearly.
So tragic is this disease that all branches of the Kiwanis family,
partnered with UNICEF, have made it their mission to completely
eliminate this disease from the world by 2015. This means that this is
the last year for The Eliminate Project. A simple vaccination administered
in three doses to the mother will create an immunization to this
disease that is passed down from generation to generation. Each
administration of the vaccine costs 60¢. Just $1.80 can protect a
women and all her future babies from maternal and neonatal tetanus.
As of right now, only 24 countries throughout the world still harbor
this deadly disease. Over 100 million mothers in these places need to
be immunized, which will cost an estimated $110 million. This amount
is very possible to raise; the Kiwanis family has already raised over
$60 million of it through The Eliminate Project thus far!
We have immensely knowledgeable medical professionals who
can inform people about sanitary birthing practices. We have the
vaccine. We have improved, innovative technology to help deliver
it. Now we just need the money. How can you contribute? By working
with your Key Club and fundraising, fundraising, fundraising! If
every member of the Florida District of Key Club International stays
determined and does their part, our District goal of $110,000 for this
service year can easily be met. So, let’s work together. Let’s eliminate
maternal and neonatal tetanus.
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