 Eradicating
Intestinal Parasites in Poverty-Stricken Children
Every day around the world parasites condemn millions
of impoverished children to a life of sickness. When an affected
child swallows the precious little food their parents can afford
to feed them—the worms help themselves first and then multiply.
Remaining hungry, children become malnourished and often suffer
from stunted growth, can’t concentrate at school and are susceptible
to diseases that can even cause them to die.
Make a Difference with Only 10 Cents
But there is good news. The very change in your
pocket can buy one dose
of Albendazol to rid children of parasites and
prevent re-infestation for one year. Think of it
-- you
can change a life for just a dime.
Our War on Worms initiative has already helped children in Guatemala,
India, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand as well as several countries in Africa.
In February 2005 we joined with Guatemala’s Departments of Health and Education
in launching a campaign to treat more than 2 million school-age children for parasites
and teach hygiene to prevent reoccurrence.
 Children
like Adriana
Adriana lives in extreme poverty with her parents and five siblings. They have
always lived in a community with poor sanitary conditions. Adriana often suffered
from painful stomachaches and other sickness. Her parents however couldn’t
afford the much needed doctor’s visit.
Hope came when Operation Blessing held an anti-parasite
day. Village children like Adriana were given one
chewable mint flavored tablet provided through
OBI by a nurse. When an OB team spoke with Adriana’s
family during a follow-up visit her parents explained
how the worms had left Adriana’s body – and
she was feeling much better. Now that Adriana
is rid of those horrible parasites she is becoming
healthier.
Her family has also received instructions how to improve sanitary practices to
prevent re-infestation. Adriana and the other children will take the second of
two tablets in six months to insure continued health.
The Impact
Soon millions of Guatemalan children will finally
overcome malnutrition
– they will gain weight, digest normally
and think clearly. With your help we can continue
to expand this life-changing program. Countless
boys and girls still are suffering needlessly with
parasites every day. Ten
dollars sets 100 children free from worms; $100
helps 1,000 children. |
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