In 2017, we asked for your help to show that Every Life Matters and your response was overwhelming. The campaign raised £1.73 million, including £846,248 of match funding from the UK government. We'd like to share news on how your generosity is making a difference in people's lives in Malawi.
Jeremiah's life matters
When we first met Jeremiah over two years ago, he was hungry and in pain. His mother struggled to find enough food for the family, even though food was essential for Jeremiah’s medicine. He lay on a grass mat in pain from cancer and pressure sores on his body.
Thanks to your generous support of the Every Life Matters appeal, and match funding from the UK government, Jeremiah and others like him are getting the care they deserve. Even though a cure is not available, there is still much that can be done to improve the quality of life of Jeremiah and his family.
EMMS International’s partner in Malawi, Palliative Care Support Trust, have been able to help renovate the family home so that they have safe and dry accommodation, especially in the rainy season.
When needed, Jeremiah gets additional food support to help him stay strong and continue with his medication. Families like his are benefitting from support to setup kitchen gardens to help fight off hunger.
Jeremiah receives regular visits from specialist healthcare workers to help him manage his pain and other symptoms, despite the progression of his disease. This eases the burden of care on his mother too.
Two years ago Jeremiah missed going to school and playing football with his friends. Thanks to a wheelchair provided by PCST he is able to sit up and be more mobile. He can spend time with his friends and enjoys the visits of a teacher who comes to his home for weekly lessons.
Your support is not simply reducing Jeremiah’s pain and hunger, but helping him to live a full life and enjoy the time he has with his family and friends. Thank you.
Jane's life matters
Jane is an elderly lady, brought from Lura area with unbearable back pain. She had been receiving oral morphine at home but hadn’t received any that day. She was accompanied by her husband and her two sisters-in-law.
After getting her settled in bed and giving her a dose of morphine, we examined her. X-rays of her spine showed weakened bones with collapse of vertebrae. We counselled her and increased her pain relief. We noted that she cried more and was disturbed during the night but quiet during the day when her husband was with her, and so we moved her into the side ward and encouraged him to be there at night, and things improved immensely.
Jane died a few days after discharge at home with her husband.
Thank you
Your support has so far reached 6,618 patients and their families. 94% of them live in rural areas where healthcare is often inaccessible and poverty is harshest. You are helping to show that every life matters, no matter how many days remain in it. Thank you.