Is there any connection between global health challenges and basic transportation? Just imagine: in a remote village somewhere in Central Africa a child is dying of malaria, but the nearest hospital is hundreds of miles away and the villagers have only a narrow dirt road connecting them to the outer world… Who can address this challenge?
Several people from my professional network told me about an amazing organization which takes to heart all the pain and difficulties associated with the global health challenges in the developing world – VIGH (The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health). VIGH is in the position to connect knowledge, skill and education globally, infusing communities around the world with greater ability to restore and improve the lives of their people.
Furthermore, VIGH constantly investigates the challenges of poor road infrastructure and health issues in the developing world. Every year the Tennessee Global Health Forum takes place in the USA to discuss the global health issues. In 2010 and 2011 the Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV) Ministry had a unique exhibit at the Forum – a vehicle specifically design for rural areas in countries like Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and so on. BUV can be a reliable yet very economical way to connect local African communities to some healthcare facilities. Also, medical staff and lifesaving supplies can be delivered to remote places where children and women are dying every day lacking some basic medical treatments and medications…
Frankly, I am so thankful to the top management of VIGH for a well-planned program of training and building infrastructure, even one of modest size. VIGH has the power to completely transform the health trajectory of communities all over the world.
