Urgent action needs to take place now for mortality rates in Central African Republic (CAR) are skyrocketing through the roof. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), medical aid group, has come forth and called on donor governments and development agencies to come through with their commitments of foreign assistance, whether it be through funds or humanitarian acts. As one of world's poorest countries, ranking 179 out of 187 countries in the 2011 UN Human Development Index, life expectancy in CAR is 48 (second lowest in the world). Cause of most deaths? Malnutrition and diseases, like malaria, HIV and Aids, that could have been prevented or treated if necessary resources were at their disposal. Also, with the notorious workings of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), violence, rape, and abduction are contributing factors to the high death rates.
Sure, health funding is allocated, but it appears that international donors are becoming less involved dropping from $39m in 2005 to $9.9m in 2009. So, the issue at hand, accountability. People need to start stepping up to the plate and be good on their commitments for their lives are ultimately in your hands.
Sean Healey, MSF humanitarian affairs officer, said "The Central African Republican falls into the category of forgotten crises. It is not receiving the humanitarian commitment that it should."
-Georisa Chang
SOURCE: The Guardian
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