Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

While touring the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) website I noticed some similar topics of research as in the United States, such as:

·         Improving the Quality of Care of Childhood through Parenting Enrichment;

·         Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development;

·         A Guide for Effective School and Parent Collaboration;

·         Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low-Income Families; and

·         Assessing the Influence of Different Early Childhood Development Models on Pre-School Children’s School Readiness in Kenya.

All research projects were completed by students from the School of Child and Youth Care University of Victoria as a part of his/her thesis or major project for graduation.  Although the University is located in Victoria, B.C., Canada, the Virtual University is serving students from Africa.  The research projects are completed by the students in partnership with the expertise of the ECDVU staff. 

In reading one report completed in January 2002, I was shocked to read that in the country of Kenya 700 people per day were dying of HIV/AIDS related illnesses.  “The drop in life expectancy is related to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, especially among the age group of 15 to 45 years” (Ngaruiya, 2002).  The other childhood diseases causing children to die are malaria, diarrhea and acute respiratory infections.  With our state of the art world of medicine I am surprised the populations of Kenya are not provided with immunizations and preventative care that protect children from these deadly diseases.  I am hoping to find current information to see if the health disparities in 2002 are still prevalent nine years later.  I am praying some medical advancement have been afforded to African communities so children and families can live healthy and happy lifestyles.

References:

Ngaruiya, S. (2002, January).  A Report on the Status of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Kenya.  Retrieved December 2, 2011 from, http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/Kenya_Country_Report.pdf.