The region that I chose to focus on was the Eastern and Southern Africa region. I decided this based on the recent events of Ebola and the constant plague of HIV/AIDS that still affects are larger portion of this area. This area suffers from drought, floods, and political wars that affects the people who live in this area. In 1990 1 in 6 children died before the age of five but with the help of UNICEF that number has declined to 1 in 13. More than 40 % of child deaths are caused by pneumonia as well as under nutrition which is the biggest factor causing more than half of all deaths. More and more children are being vaccinated which helps to protect them from deadly diseases but there is still 13% who go unprotected every single year and more and more babies are being born. HIV/AIDS affects 90% of pregnant women and with out medical care this disease can be passed to her unborn child.
I would discuss the events of this region in my classroom and I am sure some students would be saddened by this but it may help to bring some awareness to the those around them that children of other countries are suffering. We can have an open discussion about their advantages living in this country and how other children do not have those same privileges. Children care deeply about one another and I feel that their emotions can bring me and others back to the basics of just caring for others well being.
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/
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Kami,
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear the statistics that you listed. I read similar devastating stats for Latin America. I am feeling very fortunate to be living here in the U.S. but I also feel an obligation to help out in some way. There has got to be more people willing to do something about this or things will never change.
Kami,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to read your statistic about children living longer lives because of UNICEF. It is incredible how much UNICEF has reached out to and helped less fortunate people all over the world. After doing this assignment, I am more eager to donate and help as much as I can. The Ebola outbreaks in Africa have been discouraging to read about but seem to be getting better. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
~Jalice
Kami,
ReplyDeleteUNICEF is a wonderful organization and I am elated to see that the number of children deaths has come down so much. The Ebola outbreak is so serious and I feel for the people that are constantly surrounded by this deadly disease. I pray that one day there will be a cure or a vaccination that will eliminate Ebola and HIV/AIDS all together.
Hi Kami
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that many of the children in this region suffer so many devastating challenges. It seems that once one is controlled a little, another one surfaces. Ebola is definitely something that is very deadly and out of control in this region.