This fall marked an exciting milestone for the Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA) Health Program, as we embarked on one of our first goat distributions! During our visit to Saint Agatha, visitors from the United States and our partner programs joined us as four Muslim mothers received goats as part of our livelihood initiative. One particularly feisty goat caught everyone’s attention, and we’re sure the proud new owner will have her hands full! The creative method of goat transportation—tied around the husband’s waist while the mother rode on the back—made for a memorable moment.
In Makukuulu village, we also passed on five pigs to mothers as part of our ongoing efforts to empower women through livestock ownership. The pigs offer a valuable source of income, and the mothers were thrilled to receive them. During our visit, we met a mother whose pig is nearing maturity and will soon be serviced by a boar. Robert, our veterinary technician, administered deworming medicine to the pig, although the pig wasn’t too happy about the treatment!
In another success story, three room rentals completed a year ago in Makukuulu are now fully occupied. The income generated from these rentals allowed the project manager to purchase five additional pigs, which will be passed on to more mothers in the coming months. This initiative is not only improving health outcomes but also fostering sustainable livelihoods within the community.
Dr. Sherry Teefey, who captured these stories of success visiting our projects, continues to witness the transformative impact of these programs. In areas with limited resources and infrastructure, access to healthcare is often a challenge. However, through initiatives like these, MPA is making a tangible difference by improving healthcare access and creating economic opportunities.
The MPA Health Program demonstrates the strength of community-driven efforts and sustainable development. By providing both healthcare support and income-generating opportunities, we are building stronger, healthier communities in Africa’s most underserved regions.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to change lives!