Dr.
Lam Promises More Aid to Iran Killer Quake Victims
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News
Dr. Lam Promises More Aid to Iran Killer Quake Victims
WASHINGTON, DC – Dr. Joseph Lam, founder of the World Children’s
Fund, has launched a global effort to raise more aid for
survivors of the Iran Killer Quake that left over 30.000
dead in December.
“The World Children’s Fund will focus our efforts on rebuilding
the lives of child survivors and their immediate families
– especially widows and orphans in Bam and throughout eastern
Iran,” promised the Hong Kong born humanitarian.
Over 50.000 injured and sick survivors are in need of medicine,
food and follow-up treatment. At least 100.000 are homeless
in addition to other refugees who have long lived in the
area from nearby Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Dr. Lam said he hoped to stay involved long-term, working
to assist local community-based groups to restore the lives
and homes of the children. He said that the WCF supported
efforts will continue long after the emergency relief teams
have returned to their homelands.
“Most of the aid will be purchased within Iran through existing
supply channels,” explained sources =nside the WCF Program
Services Office, “and we will focus on medication, health
education, maternity services, nutrition, sanitation and
shelter.”
A warm blanket and change of clothing for a child costs
� 12;
10 blankets can be supplied for a gift of � 78;
A truck load of food aid can be shipped to eastern Iran
from Turkey or Tehran for about � 3.915 each;
Food and medicine for one child can be supplied for � 23
a month.
Iranian leaders say their most important long term needs
are for health care, medicine, housing and emergency food
supplements. World Children’s Fund long-term
Program Partner in eastern Iran is UK-based World in Need,
which provides medical services in cooperation with local
officials, the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Christian Aid USA,
and various indigenous organizations.
Throughout the winter and spring, the greatest danger to
survivors will be epidemics and malnutrition. “A surviving
child can be inoculated for just � 8 each,” says Dr. Lam.
“It is horrible to put a price on a child’s life but a gift
of � 78 can help us save 10 precious little babies in the
months ahead. Why should they die of basic childhood diseases
like measles, whooping cough, TB or simple diarrhea? I am
calling on our friends around the world to make a long-term
commitment to help us reach out to the suffering children
of Iran.” (updated 12-31-03, 2003, WTB)
