Solutions for Infant Mortality/ HIV/ AIDS, and Environmental Sustainability/ Global Partnerships
People waiting to receive medical consultations in Sudan.
In 2002, it was projected that Sudan was the most severely affected country in North Africa and the Middle East, as approximately 500,000 people were believed to have HIV/ AIDS.
Problem & Solution 1Problem: HIV/ AIDS: The Sudan Epidemic
Source for specific information in Sudan: United Nations Development Program Why this is a problem: From the UNDP: "The 2002 survey showed a low awareness of HIV/AIDS, with only 53% of the population being aware of the sexual transmission risk of HIV/AIDS, and a total of 640,000 individuals being infected with HIV." Though this was over a decade ago, the virus definitely has a stronghold on the nation. There are many international and independent groups that have formed since then to raise awareness and give additional support and treatment to the members of vulnerable populations. UnAids, in 2012 released a report that had the following (improved) statistics: HIV AND AIDS ESTIMATES (2011)
Solution: 1. One of the largest issues facing Sudan is the lack of education about the causes and effects of the disease. As there are already many efforts underway to spread word about the disease, I propose that these efforts continue; with the addition of permanent education, health, and treatment centers stationed in each village, especially those that are considered highly vulnerable to the disease. At these centers, birth control/ protection should be provided, free of charge for anyone who is sexually active. 2. One of the less-obvious consequences of this problem is the significantly high number of children who are made orphans due to losing their parents, guardians, family, or caretakers to the disease. These children are left without adults to help them along, to learn, and to be loved. They need parents, they need homes. I propose that a program be set up to help these children be adopted into either families in Sudan, or families abroad who are hoping to create a family but cannot on their own. This adoption program would specifically be to benefit these children affected by HIV/ AIDS. Perhaps a foster care program set up by the government would be a good place to start. As long as the families are loving and can care for the child, there is no reason that they shouldn't be together. |
Problem and Solution 2Problem: Environmental Sustainability
Source for specific information in Sudan: South Sudan News Agency Why this is a problem: Even though countries at Africa are the least to blame for global issues such as global warming, they are, and will take the brunt of the result of the rest of the worlds negligence and care. Global warming means climate change, and many Sudanese people have no idea what that even is. For them, it will mean drought, flood, destruction- uncertainty in comparison to their methods of farming and way of life. If the Sudanese are not able to produce a sustainable amount of food for continued seasons, they will not be able to survive without the help of surrounding nations and imports. The recently appointed President of The Republic of South Sudan does not find this acceptable and is fully committed to helping the Sudanese reach a higher standard of living and self-sustainability. He is committed to the development goals and wants to start by making sure that there is food security, which in turn means social and economic security. Solution: 1. Again, education is key. Environmentalists and agricultural specialists either from Sudan or around the world should be brought to Sudan to help farmers, especially those with large-scale operations. These experts can help these farmers make a plan and prepare for whatever environmental changes await Sudan in the future. They can experiment with various crops that are tougher and can survive tough climate conditions. 2. Large-scale food storage should be implemented into every community and village. We learn from the leaders of the LDS church that we should prepare for any times of devastation by setting aside food storage. The food storage section of lds.org says the following: “We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.” I feel that if Sudan can implement an efficient food storage system, each member of the community will be more able to exercise their creativity, love, and support for one another. They will be able to use their fertile land to its fullest ability and create a more sustainable life for each citizen of the nation. |