新作坊

Bike ambulances make an impact in Namibia

摘要：

Namibia in Southwest Africa faces enormous healthcare challenges, especially among its largely rural population. Its national HIV/AIDS infection rate stands at around 20%, and maternal mortality rates have doubled in recent years. The need for locally managed medical transport is more pressing than ever. In a recent assessment of the link between transport and healthcare, the Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia (BENN) found that people living with HIV/AIDS are hit hard by the lack of transport. A Canadian charity, Design for Development, works to improve transport for patients seeking medical attention in clinics and hospitals, and has built bicycle ambulances in Malawi. In 2005, the charity started work on designing and making a bicycle ambulance for Namibia with BENN. BENN are now working to facilitate sponsorship of ambulances for community based organizations. It will provide the ambulances to communities with a need, along with training, monitoring, and ongoing support.