Lethal Lead Poisoning in Nigeria

            Nigeria, one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, is facing a major health hazard, caused by local mining.  In Zamfara State, there has been a mass amount of lead poisoning cases found among the workers and village people.  This fatal illness has not only affected the working population in Nigeria, but also children living near the mines.  According to the World Health Organization, The Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health has stated that 43 villages have been infected with high amounts of lead poisoning.   Uniting with the UN, UNICEF and other organizations, aid is being reached to those infected.  With $1.9 million donates by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, patients have access to x-rays, treatment for the lead poisoning and furthermore training for doctors.  On a governmental level, Nigeria is working to create new processes in mining to greatly reduce the risk of an even like this occurring again.  Taking these steps, despite the health hazard already occurring, will help improve the standard of living for those who reside in the developing area.  The accumulation of international aid groups demonstrates the world’s acknowledgement to ensuring health and the necessity to help those who fall below the basic standard of living.  

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2011_11_11/en/index.html

Aid Relief in Thailand

With the devastating floods engulfing Thailand, relief for the country is needed now more than ever.  Stranded with limited access to clean water and food, victims are on the door steps of infectious diseases.  Wiping out homes, buildings, health centers, and schools, the floods are leaving a destructive path.  UNICEF, a leading aid organization in fighting the aftermath of the floods in Thailand, is primarily focusing on the relief provided to the children affected by the damaging waters.  According to the UNICEF United States Fund, the organization has provided water purification drops (chlorine), soap, hand sanitizers, and food.  These necessities are vital in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.  With the increased water levels, Thailand is a breeding ground for diseases and viruses to spread.  Maintaining a clean, sanitary environment, with the use of soaps and sanitizers, will help deter the spread of disease.  Providing access to these amenities in their time of need will potentially reduce the death toll from this natural disaster. 

             Moreover, recognizing the importance of an education, UNICEF has provided emergency school kits, “school in a box”, to schools destroyed by the floods. In such boxes are materials needed for up to 80 children.  Focusing efforts on the continuation of education promotes a more successful, prosperous generation.  Able to support those both older and younger, the educated youth has the possibility to end the vicious cycle of poverty.  The efforts of UNICEF, through their emergency relief fund, are helping to not only fix an issue pressing overall health, but encouraging a promising future.

http://www.unicefusa.org/news/releases/unicef-emergency-thailand-flood.html

The Struggle of the South-Sudanese

Upon the independence of South Sudan from Sudan, many native South Sudanese are unable to return to their homeland, South Sudan.  With limited money and resources, many are stuck on the border in makeshift camps.  In addition to the financial struggle of those traveling, this developing region does not have adequate roads, thus limiting the transportation of individuals.    Similar to those in refugee camps, those held up on the border of these two countries are faced with disease and malnutrition.  Trapped in a “limbo”, the South-Sudanese have limited access to food and are living in low sanitation areas.  Threatened by the severe rains of the area, the South-Sudanese are potentially surrounded by damp conditions and ultimately place a halt in their return home.    A combination off all of these, damp conditions, inadequate living spaces, lack of food, serve as a dangerous recipe for contracting fatal diseases.   Because Sudan and South- Sudan are developing nations, the opportunities are restricted and the availability of nutritious foods, sufficient health care, and sanitary living quarters are highly rare. In an attempt alleviate the hardship these people face, NGO’s such as UNICEF and other organizations are providing aid such as vitamin supplements and clean drinking water to the “refugees”, especially those most vulnerable, children.  Moreover, these aid-relief organizations are helping the groups find a safe way to return to their homeland, South-Sudan.  In hardships such as this, it is vital to provide aid to those in need to ensure the over-all well-being of individuals worldwide.

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/southsudan_60379.html