A HUDDERSFIELD couple are spending the New Year on a mercy mission to Africa.

Retired doctor John Philip and his wife Chris heard about the plight of families in Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, while attending an International Rotary Conference in San Deigo.

And they were so moved by the statistic that one child under five dies every five seconds from preventable diseases in the region that they decided to help.

They flew out last night on an 18-day mission to help others suffering from a variety of health problems.

“We could not bring ourselves to spending the festive season without doing what little we can to help reduce child mortality,” said John, who is a retired consultant breast cancer specialist.

“During the last 12 months I have explained to many people that most of these deaths are preventable.

“Many felt moved and have offered help. having worked in Africa in the past I know that what the people of Mwanza need it not our hand-outs but a hand up.”

In Mwanza, close to Lake Victoria in the north west of Tanzania, John and Chris will be trying to encourage local leaders and Rotary members to take an overview of what needs to be done to provide a clean water supply and consider how common diseases can be prevented.

The vast majority of births there are conducted at home and they would welcome basic delivery packs of sterile cord-cutting equipment, swabs, antiseptic powder and gloves.

“We will offer advice and on our return seek funds to help local leaders to achieve their goal. By this holistic approach – adopting a village – we hope to see a reduction in child mortality.”

John and his wife Chris are Rotarians and John has the leadership responsibility this year for 80 Rotary Clubs in Yorkshire.

Chris until recently was warden at St Hilda’s Church in Cowcliffe.

There are many health problems in Tanzania, including HIV/AIDS which is a serious problem affecting 6.5% of people aged between15 and 49. Teaching sex education at school offers the best hope of raising awareness in children who are approaching sexual maturity.