Article 25(1) of the Declaration of Human Rights 1948 states that, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care”. So why is this not happening?
The recent crisis in East Africa has sparked debate about the rising prices of food and how this is leading to the ‘F word’ spiralling out of control; but it’s important to remember that this isn’t the only food crisis which is happening in the world. So many people in remote indigenous communities around the globe are malnourished and these are the people forgotten by most aid agencies and well-meaning celebrities. So many rural indigenous communities in Asia, Africa and Latin America are struggling to produce and purchase the food they need to survive. Yes, because of rising food prices and the uncontrollable economy of food but also because housing, mining, desertification, land grab and many other socioeconomic developments are encroaching on their livelihood.
It’s important to remember that it’s not a simple case of famine=poverty or even vice versa but it’s a combination of social determinants which contribute to poverty and famine. These marginalised communities are stuck in a vicious cycle of malnutrition, poverty and poor health. Health Poverty Action is focussing on the direct link between malnutrition and health and is working alongside these indigenous communities to improve nutrition and thus improve their quality of health. By improving these contributing factors such as rising prices and food security we can address the more pressing issues about health.
In the remote villages of the Attapeu province in Laos there is chronic malnutrition and due to climate conditions rural communities can go from 4 to 8 months without a secure supply of food. Health Poverty Action has been working in Laos to further improve the nutrition, food security and health of mothers and children in the hill tribes. Up to 50% of children under 5 are suffering from malnutrition; to reduce this high number the government has resettled the communities of Attapeu into the low lying wetlands. Health Poverty Action has been working with them to better use the resources in their new environment. Health Poverty Action supports people introduce sustainable farming techniques by providing them with seeds and livestock, and is contributing to improving their access to water resources. Severely malnourished children receive immediate care and the charity is working to improve the health facilities; but local staff are also raising awareness among communities through group discussions and are working with them to produce a yearlong supply of food. In 2010 we saw a reduction of 29% in child malnutrition which demonstrates the impact that integrated food security and improved health facilities can have.
Everyone has the right to health and wellbeing in every corner of the globe. If aid agencies work together to provide an integrated approach to tackling the issue of malnutrition then more efficient improvements can be made. It’s not about handing out food parcels; it’s about improving the social determinants of health.
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