Many Iraqi families ‘destitute’

Sydney
20 April 2003

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Many Iraqi families ‘destitute’

The Caritas disaster preparedness program “is working well but we must now look to respond to the changing environment inside Iraq”, says Jack de Groot, national director of Caritas Australia.

“Many families have been left destitute, “ he says.

A shipment of much needed medicine, including painkillers, antibiotics, eye-drops and electrolyte maintenance solution, has been delivered to the Caritas office in Jordan for shipment with a convoy to Baghdad. Further food rations will also be delivered. “Caritas Australia has contributed $280,000 to assist the Caritas network to help the 260,000 displaced Iraqi civilians,” Mr de Groot said.

“Each displaced family will receive food for three months along with water containers, water purification tablets, mattresses, blankets, kitchen utensils, stoves, fuel and hygiene kits.

The program will give priority to the most vulnerable.

A supplementary and therapeutic food aid project to combat malnutrition will benefit 2400 children under five years of age and 1500 pregnant women and nursing mothers.

For information on the ‘Humanitarian Crisis Iraq Appeal’ visit: www.caritas.org.au/newsroom/advocacy_statements/caritas_iraq.htm

Donations may be made by calling the Caritas hotline 1800 024 413, by visiting the website www.caritas.org.au or by mail to Caritas Australia, 19 Mackenzie St, North Sydney 2060 or GPO Box 9830 in your capital city.