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11 April 2002 Once a prosperous South American nation, rich in animal and natural resources with a relatively small population of nearly 37 million, Argentina is now in the throes of a severe economic crisis that has had a devastating impact on the socio-economic and political fabric of the country. More than 15 million people, nearly half of Argentina's population, are believed to be living in poverty. And the situation has been exacerbated by the closure of many traditional social support structures such as soup kitchens. Large-scale street protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcers last December over the growing crisis, led to the death of 23 people and the fall of two governments. And the protests haven't stopped. The Argentine Red Cross has been monitoring the situation and has been providing first aid assistance to those injured in demonstrations. In the northern province of Corrientes, volunteers are not only providing first aid to those injured in street protests, but are also distributing food aid donated by the community. "The government has asked the Argentine Red Cross to distribute humanitarian assistance. So our volunteers collect food donated by the commune or supermarkets, and distribute it to those that are really suffering," says Marcela Pisarello, of the Corrientes branch of the Red Cross. The Argentine Red Cross is already running or supporting a large number of social initiatives to provide food, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children, but the number of people who no longer have access to even basic foodstuff, has increased dramatically. And with winter fast approaching, concern is growing on the impact of these vulnerable groups if more help is not provided. In response, the International Federation has launched an appeal for US$ 1.1 million to help the Argentine Red Cross implement a series of actions aimed at helping an estimated 52,000 people for four months. "It is 10 years since we launched an appeal for Argentina and that was for floods. This time, we are responding to unprecedented levels of poverty which will not disappear in the immediate future," says Luis Luna, International Federation programme manager for South America. The Argentine Red Cross plans will include the distribution of food through soup kitchens, orphanages, senior citizens' day centres, schools and directly to poor families when necessary. But the needs aren't just for food. Poverty and lack of nourishment impacts on health. Just as more and more people don't have access to basic foodstuffs, numbers are increasing of people who don't have access to basic health care either. And there are insufficient medicines available in pharmacies, health centres and hospitals. Funds raised in the International Federation appeal will also purchase medical kits to support primary health care services. |
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