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Youth Volunteers Support the Measles Initiative
Karuna Dewan and Justin Lam, Special to Redcross.org
Friday, November 18, 2005 — Kelly Quann and Isha Shah, now attending college at New York University and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, respectively, affirm that the Measles Initiative has defined their American Red Cross experience.
The Measles Initiative is a long-term commitment to control measles deaths in Africa by vaccinating 200 million children and preventing 1.2 million deaths over five years. While the effort is focused in Africa, where the majority of measles-related deaths occur, Measles Initiative partners also work on a wide-range of health initiatives around the world, including measles control and other vaccination services outside of Africa.
As teens, the two received a unique opportunity in December 2003 to join a Measles Initiative mass vaccination team during its campaign in Gambia, Africa. As a part of the five-year Measles Initiative, each campaign works to vaccinate children in an African country with the help of its national Red Cross society and donations to the Measles Initiative.
Isha Shah and Kelly Quann, supporters of the Measles Initiative, had an opportunity to travel to West Africa to participate in a measles campaign in Gambia in December 2003. Shah, left, stops for a quick photograph with an appreciative local resident. Kelly Quann, right, gives Vitamin A drops to a newly vaccinated child.
(Photo Credit: American Red Cross)
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While in West Africa, Quann and Shah met the people of Gambia and Senegal, visited several vaccination sites and learned about the social mobilization efforts in the country. They also learned about West African culture.
Social mobilization efforts encourage mothers and caretakers to bring their children to be vaccinated. Red Cross workers and volunteers in the communities having campaigns lead these efforts, which may include hanging posters and banners and home visits by volunteers to assure the population is educated about measles and motivated to participate in the vaccination program.
“Africa is a world completely different from everything that I am familiar with,” said Shah. “And to be a part of the culture and see the people’s determination and passion to build a better life is beyond inspiring.”
At the end of their trip, Quann recalled being struck by the great magnitude of the plight of the African people.
“At the same time, I see how the efforts of American Red Cross youth volunteers can make a significant difference in the lives of people across the globe,” said Quann. “I can’t wait to see what a difference youth will make in our future.”
Shah and Quann began their Red Cross volunteer work at the Lower Bucks County Chapter in southeastern Pennsylvania. The chapter has an active youth program, thanks to the support of the chapter’s executive director Toni Hansen.
“Because I began my Red Cross career 22 years ago at the Hawaii State Chapter as a Youth Director, I am passionate about Youth involvement," said Hansen. "I cannot see a thriving Red Cross chapter without a Youth Program.”
Karuna Dewan and Justin Lam are with the American Red Cross National Youth Council.
The Measles Initiative is a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. Launched in 2001, the Initiative—led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization—provides technical and financial support to governments and communities on vaccination campaigns worldwide. To date, the Initiative has supported the vaccination of more than 500 million children in 50 countries helping reduce measles deaths by more than 68% globally and 91% in Africa (compared to 2000). To learn more or make a donation, visit www.measlesinitiative.org.
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