March 30, 2013 By specialguest
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kigali_from_above.jpg
Fighting disease is a battle that has spread across the globe, but people in Rwanda are the first to benefit from a revolutionary new vaccine created to combat two diseases that afflict children across the world. A dual vaccine for Measles and Rubella has been developed and the country is the first in Africa to benefit from it.
It’s expected that five million children across the country are likely to benefit from the vaccine aged between nine months and 14 years. As part of plans to bring the number of preventable deaths in Rwanda down to zero, the dual vaccine represents a big step in the right direction.
Health first
The vaccine’s launch formed a big part of Child and Adolescent Health Week, which also saw widespread vaccinations against cervical cancer and provision of foods rich in Vitamin A. The campaign has been supported by the Rwandan government as well as companies who want to show that they’re willing to get behind such a worthy cause.
Leading renewable energy firm Dulas, have been involved in vaccination programmes worldwide for over three decades. Using their knowledge, they have also supported other worthy causes by providing them with the technology needed to make a difference.
“We are delighted to see that Rwanda is set to receive funding from GAVI to continue its vaccination programme against Measles and Rubella. It’s a great step in helping to prevent disease and give many children a healthy start in life, something we believe in very strongly here at Dulas”, said the company’s David Elliot.
Ray of hope
Their involvement in vaccination programmes worldwide saw them lend their expertise in creating technology using renewable energy to store vaccines. A prime example of that is in Peru, where the company provided a solar fridge to a local community to help keep their vaccines cool.
That particular case study showed that, if nothing else, renewable energy can play a part in saving lives. Whether for providing the energy to keep hospital equipment running in the event of blackouts or to use solar power to run a fridge for vaccines, it could work wonders.
Keeping cool
Many vaccines need to be stored at a certain temperature in order for them to work. By providing solar fridges to those who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to buy or power up such an appliance, they’re showing that in countries like Peru, they’re doing a lot of good.
For a better future
Renewable energy has a big part to play for future generations. As fossil fuels run out, alternative sources of energy including solar, wind and hydroelectric power can help to fill the gap and provide people in developing countries with the energy needed to transform lives and provide the everyday energy needed to keep going.
It could be used to heat homes, run hospitals and schools or even make sure that internet connections aren’t as susceptible to power cuts caused by adverse weather.
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