Providing blankets and mosquito nets to 200 poor families in villages in Darfur to reduce the risk of children dying from malaria and acute respiratory infections bought about by deadly mosquitoes and cold desert nights. In Darfur families struggle to provide even the most basic of items due to rising inflation and harsh living conditions. This project helps families to protect their offspring from the hazards of the desert.
Mortality rates are high in the villages, particularly for children. Malaria and acute respiratory infections are major causes. The incidence of malaria has increased and the only effective drugs are beyond the means of the poor so the only solution is prevention. Winters are cold in Darfur and many poor families have been forced to sell their blankets to meet urgent needs. Fires are kept alight at night in the huts but the smoky atmosphere causes respiratory problems for children
Two blankets and a mosquito net will be provided to 200 of the poorest families in the villages in Darfur
Blankets improve children's health - chest infections are fewer, children's eyes are no longer inflamed by smoke. Wood is saved - and trees are scarce. School attendance increases. Mosquito nets reduce sickness and death of children from malaria
