Malnutrition numbers soar

Malnutrition rates in Afghanistan have sky-rocketed since 2022, estimating 7 million children and mothers malnourished, according to the World Food Program.

Food is a fundamental human right, and over 17.5% of Afghanistan’s population is not receiving sufficient food. With the worsening restrictions from the Taliban control, emergency aid programs for food are struggling to provide enough food.

When malnourished, immune systems are prone to severe illnesses. Malnutrition can often result in vitamin deficiencies such as marasmus and kwashiorkor, issues with the respiratory system such as decreased ventilatory drive and alterations of the lung parenchyma, and more. Most of these illnesses can often be life-threatening. It is crucial that people receive enough food so that they are not malnourished and vulnerable to severe diseases.

(Retrieved from https://shafaq.com/en/World/Children-dying-of-malnutrition-in-Afghanistan-officials)

The right to learn

Located in West Ghana is a ‘floating’ village known as Nzulezo. This village built on Lake Tadane intrigues many tourists, however, the lack of education is prominent in this village. The dark, murky swamplands often influence qualified teachers to move away, with only a few teachers staying and teaching students.

The school in the village of Nzulezo currently has 81 students in 4 classrooms, with only 2 teachers teaching. Emmanuel Bonsu, a teacher who has worked there for 14 years says, “Most teachers don’t stay long. They are scared of the water.” A factor that has made teachers afraid of the waters is the lack of awareness to learn to swim. In Ghana, it is not common to know how to swim due to its lack of facilities and opportunities, thus many teachers decide to leave the village of Nzulezo.

Evans Cudjoe, the second teacher at the school states that if the school were to be provided with more safety equipment such as “lifejackets [and] boats”, it would create incentives to attract teachers to work at the village. Cudjoe also points out that students have the potential to “grow up well and become the teachers”.

(Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/nzulezo-ghana-stilt-village-intl/index.html)

Turkey/Syrian earthquake kills thousands!

As earthquakes strike, the aftermath of natural disasters can often become devastating. After the 7.8 magnitude earthquakes that shook parts of Turkey and Syria at 4am on February 6th, over 4,300 people have been endangered by the immediate effects. However, more people have been affected by the hundreds of aftershocks that prey on the two countries.

Often in earthquakes, the aftershocks can become even more disastrous than the main earthquake. Buildings and structures that have become vulnerable from the main quake often become very unstable and are prone to damage and destruction. Aftershocks can also cause other natural disasters such as tsunamis, landslides and fires, which can further threaten the lives of citizens and rescue members.

During this imperil time, immediate disaster recovery is imperative for the vulnerable people of Turkey and Syria. This includes rescue teams, medical aid, emergency shelters and basic needs such as food and shelter. As individuals, it is vital that we choose the best charities to donate to that can give the most helpful assistance to those suffering in Turkey and Syria.

(Taken from https://people.com/human-interest/turkey-syria-earthquake-death-toll-reaches-20000-disaster-of-the-century/)