World’s Most Neglected Emergency |
|||
 |
|||
« Previous |
Next » |
April 6th, 2005 - 05:43PM |
|
|
|||
 |
|
Photo: Kate Holt for the IRC Despite a tenuous peace agreement and the installation of a transitional government in 2003, much of this huge country remains dangerously insecure. The U.N. Security Council's vote last week to extend the peacekeepers' mission in Congo comes at time of increasing violence. The ongoing insecurity and a widespread breakdown of the overall health infrastructure mean that over 30,000 people are dying every month from easily preventable and treatable diseases. “The international response to the humanitarian crisis in Congo has been grossly inadequate in proportion to need,” says IRC's health director, Dr. Rick Brennan. “Our findings show that improving and maintaining security and increasing simple, proven and cost-effective interventions such as clean water, immunizations and basic medical care would save hundreds of thousands of lives in Congo. “There’s no shortage of evidence. It’s sustained compassion and political will that is lacking.” Posted By: Kathleen Sands | Africa, D.R. Congo Emergency, Health Permalink |
