Our support  of ReSurge International has opened our eyes to the global healthcare and socioeconomic problems stemming from burns, a completely preventable public health challenge.  We wanted to learn more about this crisis and to share some of the reasons why we support their work.

This information was excerpted from the World Health Organization.
Burns are a global public health problem, accounting for an estimated 265 000 deaths annually. The majority of these occur in low- and middle-income countries and almost half occur in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Non-fatal burns are a leading cause of morbidity, including prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement and disability, often with resulting stigma and rejection.

• In India, over 1 000 000 people are moderately or severely burnt every year.
• Nearly 173 000 Bangladeshi children are moderately or severely burnt every year.
• In Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt and Pakistan, 17% of children with burns have a temporary disability and 18% have a permanent disability.
• Burns are the second most common injury in rural Nepal, accounting for 5% of disabilities.

In South Africa an estimated US$ 26 million is spent annually for care of burns from kerosene (paraffin) cookstove incidents. Indirect costs such as lost wages, prolonged care for deformities and emotional trauma, and commitment of family resources, also contribute to the socioeconomic impact.
Be part of the solution. Join us is supporting ReSurge International’s efforts to heal burn victims and to Stop Burns from happening.  For more, visit ReSurge.org.
~Michael and Frida Donner