Helen Keller Intl

Long time subscribers of Tithe will know that I value the GiveWell index highly. They routinely evaluate the effectiveness of global charities and offer three or four recommendations of charities to give to based on their effectiveness per dollar spent.

So far, the only one we've given to is Malaria Consortium, which was back in January. Next on the list is Helen Keller Intl - or more specifically, their Vitamin A Supplementation program (VAS). 

Vitamin A deficiency leaves children vulnerable to infections and can lead to death. GiveWell estimates that approximately 20% of children in areas that they work have vitamin A deficiency. 

The VAS program focuses on reducing child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting government-led vitamin A distribution campaigns. Mainly, this is for children aged 5 or under. The program provides funding, training, and technical support to existing governmental campaigns & new campaigns that they run.

It costs about $2 to provide vitamin A supplements to a child for a whole year, and in 2022, GiveWell estimated that the average cost-effectiveness of their work was $5,000 per life saved, which is an amazing amount.

It's worth mentioning that existing government work and improving health policy is making the work slightly less impactful, with GiveWell estimating that the cost may rise to $8,500 per life saved in some areas.

Regardless, the work is highly important at this present moment and I'm happy to be putting Tithe's funds towards it. This month’s donation was once again £350.