As two-thirds of Mali is currently controlled by al
Qaeda Islamic militants, the country is also enduring widespread chaos and
instability. Of particular importance, Mali is suffering from severe food
shortages and malnutrition, especially in children. Three droughts have
occurred in the past decade contributing to food shortages. Internal conflicts
have only exacerbated the concern. Malians are fleeing north is search of food
and safety, and those who remain are displaced. Information was obtained from
the CNN website under World News.
I chose this event because world hunger is a
major global health concern. It is important to fight world hunger and advocate
for children affected by malnutrition. CNN gave an example of a 16 month old
girl who currently weighs just over nine pounds. Due to a weakened immune
system, she also suffers from pneumonia and anemia. She was found by the
International Rescue Committee (IRC) and transported to a local IRC health
clinic. Without help from the clinic, it was determined that this little girl
would have died. Instead, the IRC instructed her mother on feeding her
nutritionally fortified peanut paste. The IRC continues to travel throughout
Mali in order to identify malnourished children and inform villages about
health clinics.
Villages report that food supplies
ran out months ago. Farmers reveal empty huts that usually stores grains, and
the next harvest isn’t until January or February. Malians are already
expressing concern over the hard months they know lie ahead. International
efforts have been hindered by the national political chaos. However, the IRC
continues to deliver necessary aid to the displaced. They are also restoring
water access by priming wells and water points. Water purification kits are
being distributed and hygiene campaigns are being promoted. Even still,
contaminated water is prevalent leading to diseases such as cholera. The rapid
humanitarian crisis needs immediate relief.
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