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HEALTH
Fair Trade farming communities worldwide have elected to invest Fair Trade premiums into lifesaving health facilities and programs. From HIV/AIDS and First Aid programs to drugs and medication that help reduce the incidence of malaria, Hepatitis B, typhoid, dengue fever, and anemia, disadvantaged farmers and workers around the world have benefited from Fair Trade. Farmer groups often provide emergency funds for workers, which helps support them during health crises, as well as life insurance, which is highly uncommon in the developing world. Some cooperatives have subsidized eye glasses and medical exams for members and their families. A Fair Trade cocoa co-op in Nicaragua hires local health outreach workers to advise rural women on nutrition, health and child care. Fair Trade farmers benefit from water filters, trainings, sanitation and clinics. One coop has set up full-service and mobile clinics that make regular calls to remote areas.
Fair Trade not only supports direct investment in healthcare, but also provides indirect benefits to health through environmental regulation. Agrochemicals affect the health of farm workers and wildlife, as well as pollute the soil, water and air. Fair Trade certification combines stringent restrictions on agrochemical use with concrete incentives to pursue organic certification and practice environmental stewardship.
"Fair Trade has reduced my burden by providing me the finances which will help me put my son in special care. I am thankful to the consumers who pay the extra premium, which reaches people like me and makes a difference."
Sita, 32, AIDS victim and widow, worker on the Ootho tea estate, India
"I am very grateful to the Fair Trade premiums through which I get loans during weddings, death ceremonies, and for ailments. This has been a great boon to all the people. It has also played an important role in the health of our children by way of the Hepatitis B vaccination."
Sumitra Nirola, worker and Ex-Joint Body Member, Seeyok Tea Estate, India
"Part of the Fair Trade income is used to buy medicine for Cooperative Café Timor's clinics. For that I am very grateful, as clinic staff saved my wife's life after she suffered complications from the recent birth of my child."
Alfonso Sarmento, member of Cooperative Café Timor (CCT), East Timor
"The Fair Trade price has helped me to improve my life, my house, and my nutrition. It has allowed me to purchase medicine, which is important because I'm 72 years old."
Mariano Ruiz Gonzalez, member of CACAONICA cooperative, Nicaragua
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