women of togo

In 2018, UNICEF named Togo, a country of eight million people, the 15th Most Dangerous Place to be born in the world. Nearly one in ten children will not live to see his or her fifth birthday—a rate fifteen times higher than that of developed countries. The five major killers of children in Togo—malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, HIV, and malnutrition—are all easily treatable conditions. Three years later, in September 2021, a report was published evaluating the work and impact of Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée and it found that the work of this organization decreased the under 5 mortality rate and significantly increased the rates of medical care for households, children, and pregnant people.

In February 2018, photographer Zoe Rain joined Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée, a community-led international health organization working to create a world where everyone, everywhere has access to high-quality healthcare in Togo, West Africa. The artist was on hand to document the impact that clinic renovations had to these distinct, isolated communities. For many Togolese, the frustration of having no opportunities, options, or resources can leave people feeling that they have no control. Integrate Health works to empower families to regain ownership over their health, something Rain beautifully illustrates through her photography. Today, access to healthcare and resources is not a right guaranteed to every woman and child in Togo, yet Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée has improved this, their impact illustrated by recent data. Women of Togo is a powerful look into the ways that community healthcare can be a solution to a public health crisis, while inspiring others to take action.