This year on World Health Day (7 April), consider “donating a day” for Africa, Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief’s (CPAR’s) 4th Annual World Health Day Challenge. By donating part or all of 1 day’s income, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to improving health in Africa.

The World Health Day Challenge is partly inspired by the efforts of Dr Kevin Wade, a Vancouver-based ophthalmologist who donated a day of his medical service payment plans to CPAR in September 2002 and again in September 2005.

“When I saw CPAR’s work firsthand and experienced the health conditions in Malawi during a research project, I knew I wanted to contribute to the cause,” says Dr Wade.

“My responsibilities in Canada to my patients, staff, and family make working in Africa difficult, so I think that donating a day’s office income is another way I can help out.”

CPAR’s primary health care work focuses on reducing the burden of HIV and AIDS through community-awareness programs, preventing the spread of common diseases by in­creasing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, promoting healthy pregnancies, and educating communities about sexual and reproductive health issues. Founded in 1984, CPAR works in partnership with vulnerable communities and diverse organizations to overcome poverty and build healthy communities in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi.

Physicians and other supporters can donate at www.donateaday.ca [8].