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For Congo, the wounds run deep…

January 24, 2008

In so many of the world’s major conflicts, children have always suffered the most. This is none more true than in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where post-war trauma and prolonged fighting in the northeastern Kivu region continue to plague civilians.  According to a recent survey of the some 45,000 fatalities in that country, more than 22,000 of those deaths were children 5 years of age or younger. Fighting continues to bring harm to villagers, but the deadliest threat comes from curable diseases (namely malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia) and malnutrition (from the overwhelming lack of food as a result of the conflicts). Children are suffering from lack of clean drinking water and food, dying from diseases that at most would mean a trip to our physician or pharmacy. This is a truly tragic poverty of our world.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however long. Since 1987, SOS Children’s Villages has maintained a presence in the DRC. At present there are two SOS Children’s Villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, two SOS Youth Facilities, two SOS Kindergartens, two SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools, two SOS Medical Centres and two SOS Social Centres. Starting in 2004, SOS Children’s Villages in the Democratic Republic Congo, in collaboration with other NGOs, took various steps to assist the needy population, especially persons affected by HIV/Aids, e.g. assistance with medical drugs, school fees and creation of self-help projects. Together, we can help these children learn, grow, and become the generation that will put an end to this misfortune.

Want to know how you can help? We hope you do and so do our wonderful children who need your help. Click here for more information!

Topics: Africa |