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 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.

Over the next three years, students in primary schools will be given the anti-parasite medicine.

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, students in primary schools will be given the anti-parasite medicine.

The plan adds to OBI’s growing international campaign that has already impacted many 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 OBI's vice president for international operations and programs.

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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