Poverty and unclean living conditions in Hunan province lead to widespread contraction of intestinal parasites, usually among children.

HUNAN, China – For children like Nie Min, something as simple as eating lunch can prove dangerous.

The 7-year-old lives in Ningyuan, an impoverished county in Hunan Province near the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Nie’s father, a migrant worker, struggles to support six family members on an annual income of less than $100 US.

“He has a big family, and their life is very hard,” said Kara Waddell, a representative with Operation Blessing China.

Such poverty can lead to serious health problems. Each year, more than 300,000 people in Ningyuan contract intestinal parasites from unwashed food and poor hygiene.

Unfortunately, children like Nie are usually the ones hardest-hit.

“Ningyuan needs strong support to improve the health standard of the local people,” Waddell said.

In response to the problem, Operation Blessing recently launched an anti-parasite project for the county’s school children. Over the next three years, more than 36,000 students in 52 primary schools will be given the anti-parasite medicine Albendazole.

Over the next three years, more than 36,000 students in 52 primary schools will be given the anti-parasite medicine Albendazole.

The plan adds to OBI’s growing international campaign that has already impacted millions of children in Guatemala, Peru and other parts of Latin America.

“We're excited to expand this program into other countries like China, while we continue an effective campaign in Latin America,” said Rich Danzeisen, vice president for OBI’s international operations and programs. “By February of this year, we will have treated 5 million children in Latin America alone.”

Earlier this year, OBI responded to widespread flooding in Hunan Province that displaced thousands of people. Relief efforts included distributing school bags, clothes and vitamin-rich supplements to about 7,000 local children.

In addition, OBI holds ongoing medical clinics and sponsors specialized surgeries across China as well as provides educational and nutritional assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to go to school.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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