27 Mar 2003 15:46:00 GMT ADRA Planning Assistance for Iraq Kay Bacchus-Kierstead

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) - Canada
ADRA Planning Assistance for Iraq

OSHAWA, ON - These are uncertain times for the people of Iraq. In a country where children make up almost half of the total population, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Canada is gearing up to respond to an overwhelming humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations reports that the US-led war in Iraq could result in more than a million people being displaced, many of whom will become refugees fleeing for their lives. ADRA is hopeful for peace soon, but is also preparing for a humanitarian disaster.

With no food, no water and no shelter, those most vulnerable to disease and death will be the half million Iraqi children who are already malnourished. UNICEF Executive Director, Carol Bellamy states, “Their health, their nutrition, their access to safe water - all of which are weak already - will be further jeopardized in a war.”

In January 2002, an international study team examined the humanitarian effects of military conflict on the population of Iraq. The following is an excerpt of their key findings:

∙ Iraqi children are even more vulnerable now then they were in 1990, before the 1991 Gulf War.
∙ 16 million Iraqi civilians are 100 percent dependent on government-distributed food rations. If war broke out, this distribution system would be disrupted, leading to food shortages, malnutrition, and possibly starvation.
∙ There is only an estimated one month’s supply of food in Iraq. Once war has occurred, food imports would no longer be available.
∙ Approximately 500,000 Iraqi children are acutely malnourished or underweight.
∙ The health care system is worn down and will not be able to cope beyond a 3 - 4 week conflict.
∙ The death rate of children under 5 years of age is already 2.5 time greater than it was in 1990. Most children (70 percent) die of diarrheal and respiratory diseases. This greater vulnerability means greater illness and death under conflict circumstances.
∙ Iraq’s water and sanitation systems are in bad need of repair following 12 years of sanctions. 500,000 metric tons of raw sewage is dumped into fresh water bodies each day. Only 60% of Iraqis have access to fresh (potable) water.
∙ Iraqi children are already badly traumatized by 12 years of economic sanctions. About 40 percent do not think that life is worth living.
∙ The United Nations estimates due to the war, that as many as 500,000 persons could require emergency medical treatment.

While this outlook is quite grim, ADRA is hopeful that humanitarian efforts will make a difference and save lives. In order to assist, ADRA Canada is appealing for cash donations in support of the humanitarian aid effort to come after the conflict ceases. To date, ADRA Canada has been working on a series of contingency plans to respond to the impoverished people of Iraq. Once a needs assessment can be finalized, ADRA is projecting to assist by providing food, water, shelters, medicine, and other emergency aid to Iraq.

Even $20 can purchase an emergency food box, sufficient to feed a family of four for three weeks. Overall, ADRA would focus in the areas of education, health, nutrition, water and environmental sanitation, child protection and women’s rights.

In a news release on March 26, 2003, ADRA International announced it would begin to respond by providing 10,000 refugees with emergency hygiene kits. Each kit will provide soap, detergent, towels, and other sanitary items.

Adventist News Network writer, Ray Dabrowski says, “The outbreak of war in Iraq is another opportunity for people of faith to stand for hope in the face of despair.” As Christians, we are called upon to build peace, both in our own lives and throughout the world wherever possible.

ADRA is uncertain of what the next few days will bring. However, we have begun to act. ADRA Canada has established a “Crisis in Iraq” fund and cash donations are invited. Just call 1-888-274-2372 and pledge your gift by credit card, or send a cheque or money order payable to:

ADRA Canada - Crisis in Iraq
1148 King St E
Oshawa ON L1H 1H8

Please continue to pray for the suffering Iraqi people, for their protection, peace, and intervention, and for our world as we all live with great uncertainty. Together, we can make a difference...one life at a time.