Liberian children are set to get a new
injection of vital aid soon as food, clothing and medical supplies are
flown into Monrovia, Liberia tomorrow. Carrying £40,000 of urgently needed
supplies, the Save the Children aid flight will leave the UK on Wednesday
9 July and will be distributed to the most vulnerable displaced children
and families in the capital.
Cholera kits for 2000 people, oral rehydration
salts and other vital medical drugs are being sent to treat the increase
in diarrhoeal diseases caused by the severe disruption to water supplies.
Also on board are water cans and buckets, children's clothing, nappies
and 20,000 high-energy biscuits to be distributed to displaced children,
mothers and the elderly. Cameras and film are also being sent to aid family
tracing for children who have been separated from their families while
on the move.
Save the Children West Africa Regional Director, Susan Smith, said: "Liberian families face not only food shortages and the spread of cholera but also the continued threat of looting and violence. These vital supplies being flown into the country will be a huge step forward in our ability to help the thousands of children and families who have been forced to leave their homes."
There are 200,000 people, who have fled their homes to Monrovia, where thousands of families and children are now living without access to adequate water, food and shelter. Children all over Liberia are being affected by malnutrition and disease, as well as a disruption to schools and possible exploitation as child soldiers and sexual violence.
For further details contact: Pippa Ranger on 020 7716 2065 or 07831 650409.