In Africa, there is hundreds of sick children waiting to receive medical treatment. When in their countries of origin (Togo, Benin, Mauritania, Senegal, Morocco and Guinea Conakry) they lack the resources and infrastructures necessary for specialized treatment of the serious pathologies they suffer from: heart disease, trauma, maxillofacial, urological or Tierra de Men Foundation is responsible for the transfer to Spain of these children so that they can be operated on and recovered as soon as possible with the aim of returning soon with their biological family.

“Journey to Life” was born in 1995 with the aim of enabling appropriate medical and surgical treatments for children suffering from serious but curable pathologies. However, a significant proportion of the population in less developed countries do not have access to the necessary medical facilities due to the lack of adequate sanitary structures, specialized skills or specific equipment.

This lack of means and infrastructures causes that the pathologies are diagnosed later, which causes irreversible complications or inadequate medical attention.
In the context of this serious health situation, Tierra de Men tries to find an immediate alternative that allows, on the one hand, to save from death or disability a significant number of children through operations outside and within the country, and on the other , Contribute to strengthening local structures and capacities.
Thanks to the “Journey to Life” program and a large solidarity network in which hospitals, medical teams, volunteers and host families collaborate, since 1995 almost 650 children have been involved at the national level in the different delegations of Tierra Of men-Spain (Madrid, Andalusia, Galicia and Euskadi) returning the right to health and being able to return with their biological families.

CONTEXT OF COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN OF BENEFICIARIES

Benin, Togo, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Guinea Conakry are some of the most impoverished countries in Africa. With populations above 9 million (except Togo, below, and Morocco above 30), the Human Development Index ranks lower according to the United Nations Development Program. In all countries, about 30% of the population lives on less than USD 1 per day and more than 50% of the population is illiterate, which indicates the human capital deficiencies and the economic vulnerability that surrounds These societies.
With regard to health, approximately 65 out of every 1000 children die before the age of one. Malnutrition is at very high levels, reaching over 40% of children who suffer from delayed growth. In addition, in rural areas, approximately 12% have access to sanitation and more than 60% of the population does not have access to safe drinking water.