The children in this area are facing serious challenges to their health, which impacts their entire well being. One such challenge is the lack of access to sanitary water due to the climate shift change. Due to the type of environment found in this area, it is a struggle to provide water in enough amounts that is safe because of the flood prone lands (UNICEF, 2016). This challenge impacts children because of the body's natural need for water, along with the impact of disease that a lack of proper sanitation can cause. The largest killer for children under the age of five is diarrhea and pneumonia, both of which are impacted by the water supply (UNICEF, 2016).
Another challenge for children in this area are the recent cyclones that hit the area of Fiji in February. This natural disaster causes great challenges for families and children, and can impact the overall development of a child. They can lose their homes, their families, and their source of education for an undetermined length of time; the emotional and physical toll of this challenge can leave it's mark for many years to come (UNICEF, 2016).
Personally, I found myself drawn into the various press releases detailing the ways in which challenges are impacting these children daily. It was difficult to read of the challenges, and my heart as a person-mother, daughter, educator-felt for the situations. Finding more information about the ways in which UNICEF strides to help in various ways, it was intriguing to see the infrastructures that are in place for challenges that exist to children. Seeking ways I can be an effective member to helping the challenges children in my own area face, it seems that they pale in comparison to the many challenges children face in other countries.
References:
UNICEF. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/eapro/media_25286.html
Arthurine,
ReplyDeleteI too, explore the region of East Asia and the Pacific. My focus was Philippines location. It is sad that this is still going on everyday in other countries across this world. In not having the proper nutrition and health is scary in early childhood today for children development and growth. As an early childhood professional, we need to stay involved with other countries with UNICEF to know what is going on and happening around the world among children well-being and development. We need to give more and donate to help reduces factors. We need to make sure children are growing to their full potential all over. Enjoyed the post.