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Healthcare and the Role of Support the Vulnerable Foundation (SVF)
Pakistan faces severe healthcare challenges, particularly for mothers and newborns. Thousands of mothers die annually from preventable causes related to poor maternal and newborn healthcare, compounded by a lack of proper nutrition. Poverty exacerbates these issues, as undernourished mothers struggle to afford even basic meals. The primary causes of newborn deaths include complications from premature birth, difficulties during labor, and infections like sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia.
In response to these pressing needs, SVF has developed a comprehensive health care and nutrition program aimed at addressing both maternal and neonatal health, while also offering eye care services. SVF’s initiative includes multiple facets of healthcare outreach, to ensure that quality healthcare reaches the most vulnerable.
Eye Care Initiative: Eye Hospital Havelian
One of the flagship projects of SVF is the Eye Hospital located in Havelian, District Abbottabad, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan in collaboration with “The Lok Sudhar Association,” a local community organization. Established in 2019, this center is equipped with state-of-the-art eye care technology and machinery and serves financially disadvantaged individuals free of cost.
The hospital has treated over 100,000 patients since its inception. The range of services includes:
- Screening and Treatment of Eye Diseases: This covers refractive errors, cataracts, and retinopathy, all of which are common yet treatable conditions.
- Provision of Free Medicines: Recognizing that medication costs are a significant burden for many, the center provides free medicines to those who cannot afford them.
- Cataract Surgery: Cataract surgery is offered free to patients from extremely poor backgrounds, ensuring they receive critical treatment without the financial strain.
The Eye Hospital is a prime example of SVF’s commitment to healthcare for Extremely Vulnerable Individuals (EVI). With a focus on delivering high-quality medical services, it aims to prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment, which affects over 26 million people in Pakistan, including 3 million children.
SVF Cost of One Cataract Surgery IS USD 35.
Maternal and Neonatal Health Support
Beyond eye care, SVF’s health care and nutrition program targets the root causes of maternal and neonatal deaths by improving access to primary health care services, particularly for Extremely Vulnerable Individuals (EVI). The program includes:
- Maternity and Neonatal Care: To prevent maternal and newborn deaths, SVF provides diagnostic services, free medicines, and general medical consultations for expectant mothers and their babies. This is particularly crucial for addressing complications related to premature births and infections that are treatable but often neglected due to poor healthcare access.
- Nutrition Support: Many of the mothers suffering from poor health are undernourished, which increases risks during childbirth and weakens the immune systems of both mother and baby. By addressing nutritional needs, SVF seeks to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Mental and Physical Health Services for Underserved Communities
In addition to maternal and neonatal care, SVF’s program includes:
- Mobile Clinics and Emergency Response: SVF extends healthcare to underserved and disaster-affected communities through mobile units that provide physical and mental health services.
- Psychosocial Support: Mental health is a key component of SVF’s outreach, particularly for those affected by crises and orphan children. The psychosocial support services ensure that mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical health.