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BETTER WORLD BRIEFING
MILLION PEOPLE in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda are estimated to need food assistance through mid-2022.*
CA M B O DIA
‘Every little bit helps. We know God is with us,’ said our Christian partner supporting our India COVID response. PAP UA N E W G UIN E A
KEEPING HOSPITALS RUNNING
SOWING SEEDS OF SUCCESS Years ago, Jras Thean (pictured above) had little agricultural knowledge and even less of a plan for his family or future. But attending workshops with Baptist World Aid’s Partner in Cambodia led to a holistic approach to caring for God’s creation.
happen, so we attend more training.’ Jras’ efforts have meant the family has a more sustainable livelihood due to greater diversity in their livestock and crops, increased knowledge and skills, and a solid plan. In the face of uncertainty, Jras has a vision for his village to ‘come together hand-in-hand with my family to produce fruitful results and improve livelihoods.’
Health services buckled under pressure as the Delta variant hit communities across Papua New Guinea. Our Partners have helped three regional Baptist hospitals stay open and equipped to care for COVID positive patients in regional PNG, but the situation remains dire. They are currently working to educate communities and combat misinformation about vaccinations, with plans to establish training centres to equip Community Health Workers.
IN D O N ESIA
‘This year we sold three buffalo for US$1,000,’ Jras said. ‘For me this was unbelievable, absolutely wonderful!’ But COVID-19 has cast a long shadow over communities like Jras’. Progress across many countries has been set back by 20 years. It’s a catastrophe for vulnerable communities finding a path out of poverty. Despite COVID’s threat, Jras and his family are grateful. ‘We try very hard to create our business for our family and save up for the expected shortfall of food,’ Jras said. ‘We cannot know when [COVID] will disappear or what will
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IN DIA
COMBATING COVID Millions in India have contracted COVID and hundreds of thousands of people have died. Our Partners support 11 hospitals across north, central and north-east India, providing lifesaving resources including: oxygen tanks, ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment, infrared thermometers, lab kits, hospital beds and essential medical supplies to over 11,000 people. Newly established COVID wards enable treatment of patients, many of whom were already vulnerable and living in poverty.
FOOD ON THE TABLE Indonesia recorded close to 50,000 new COVID cases and more than 1,000 deaths daily in 2021. Our Partners run agricultural programs to improve skills in food production. So, when COVID hit, communities can harvest and store food and remain food secure. U G A N DA
SCHOOLS REOPEN The longest school shutdown in the world has ended in Uganda. Child labour, child marriage and exploitation have increased during
* Source: FEWS NET: East Africa Food, Source: Ethical Fashion Report.
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