I couldn’t believe my ears the day I learned that maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), a preventable disease, is claiming the lives of approximately 128,000 infants and 30,000 mothers in less industrialized nations each year. After having lived in Sweden for over a year, I’m the first to admit that the health care system in the U.S. is well behind other industrialized countries, and in many cases third world countries like Uruguay. However, it’s very easy to take for granted what things we do have in this country, like our access to adequate health care and the fact that we don’t have to walk 5.6 miles to reach the closest clinic.
What I do love about this country is that we are the world's most charitable nation, giving the most money to help the needy, either through public donations, private donations, or both. In 2007, Americans gave a record $295 billion to charity. So when I heard that within the capacity of my job I would have the opportunity to work on the “One Pack = One Vaccine” campaign, I was honored and felt privileged to be part of such an important initiative that helps to save lives.
MNT causes approximately one death every 4 minutes, and all it takes to save the lives of thousands of newborns and moms is a vaccination which costs 7 cents...7 cents!! That would mean that a Starbucks latte is equal to approximately 46 vaccinations – just thinking about it in those terms makes me sick to my stomach.
So hear me out moms, dads, family & friends…I know how expensive diapers can be, and I’m not looking forward to spending over $60 a month on poopie diapers when the little man arrives – but knowing that I’m doing something to help a good cause simply by purchasing something I have to buy anyway, there is no question that I’ll be buying that brand of diapers.
From February 5 through May 1, 2009, parents in the U.S. and Canada have the opportunity to help UNICEF protect moms and babies around the world against tetanus by simply purchasing specially-marked packages of Pampers diapers and wipes. Each product you buy triggers one life-saving vaccine. These specially marked packages of diapers and wipes cost the same as traditional products and are available wherever Pampers products are sold.
For more information about the campaign visit: http://www.pampers.com/en_US/unicefhome
Here’s something to think about too – purchase healthcare products directly from the manufacturer to help lower your health care spending. One NY-based healthcare manufacturer, Geritrex, produces many generic comparables and generic equivalents of brand name healthcare items (including diaper ointments!). Their offerings are just as effective as name brand counterparts, but are sold for a fraction for a price. Check out their Web site for more information – www.geritrex.com.
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