A lack of protein in an African's diet can lead to a form of severe malnutrition know as kwashiorkor.

Without good health even the smallest problems are overwhelming and when left unaddressed perpetuate a cycle even more detrimental to the wellbeing of the entire community.  From birth and throughout their lifetimes, the villagers are exposed to numerous illnesses endemic in Togo. The high prevalence is directly linked to poverty, contaminated water sources, poor environmental management, poor hygiene, inadequate health services and ignorance of the dynamic between poor lifestyle habits and their impact on health.  This photo is of the infected hand of a woman we met in the village.  She was encouraged to come to our clinic for treatment but she did not.  One month later she had her arm amputated due to infection.  

Our priority is to initiate change resulting in the optimal functioning without the constant impact of illness. Implementing education and re-education programs is the starting point to gaining  understanding and assuming responsibility for their own health. The video below is of Joseph's teaching regarding the importance of hand washing and proper handwashing technique. 

In collaboration with local experts the education programs demonstrate and teach of the multiple illness directly related to ingesting contaminated water and how to eliminate them. Hygiene education is an essential element of our health programs.  It is well documented that lack of sanitation systems and ignorance of good hygiene practices are the major contributors to the spread of parasitic infections as well as diarrhea, dysentary and chlorea.

 Parasitic infections both blood borne and intestinal are endemic in all areas of Togo. Malaria, continues to be a leading cause of chronic and recurrent illness.  The majority of its victims are young children.  Those suffering from the genetic disease sickle cell anemia have a very complicated and life-threatening course when infected by the malarial parasite.

Community based health care and health education can greatly reduce the incidence of malaria.  Multiply The H.A.R.V.E.S.T. has integrated health education programs to focus on the reduction in the number of cases of malaria as well as other endemic illness.

Along with initiating changes to reduce mosquito breeding sites, we also promote the use of WHO approved insecticide treated mosquito nets.  Mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite are active predominately at night and use of the nets greatly reduces the risk.  Long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLITNs) can be used for more than 3 years with proper use and care. We are involved in training community members in the proper use of these nets and implement monitoring systems to identify problems so they can be corrected as well as suggest improvements so they can be incorporated. 

Addressing environmental and educational needs have great impact on the health of the entire village community, but it is still necessary to have access to adequate medical treatment.  We  work in collaboration with a small established clinic which offers limimted primary medical care. Although the small clinic has some basic services it is not capable of handling the demand of needed health care for the surrounding area.  As an organization we have a goal to be involved in establishing a clinic which is well structured with staff to address the health needs of the area and is also actively involved in health education.

  Additional health programs will address malnutrition and good nutrition, prenatal care, oral hygiene, preventative care, HIV/AIDS education, diagnosis and treatment as well as other areas of health concerns prevalent in the villages of Togo.

Multiply the H.A.R.V.E.S.T. has also started doing home visits in the village,