20,000 flood-victim babies face hunger
20,000 flood-victim babies face hunger
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Diarrhea is not the only threat to flood-victim babies, many
of whom still remain with their parents in temporary shelters.
The threat of famine is on the way.
Data shows that 20,000 of 26,000 flood-victim babies face the
risk of famine as they have been malnourished during the last
three weeks since serious flooding hit the capital on Jan. 28.
"So far, only 6,000 babies have received milk porridge to eat.
During their stay at the shelters, they only consume what their
parents can give," said head of the Mental Guidance and Social
Affairs Agency Endang W. Dungga on Monday.
The agency is working together with a milk and baby food
producer to supply meals for the babies, but the amount is still
insufficient.
"We need more milk porridge for the babies. We have also
received help in the form of milk powder but are being careful in
distributing it because in some cases babies could be allergic to
certain milk powder products," Endang said.
"Besides milk porridge, the babies also receive vitamins from
the City Health Agency at health posts at the temporary
shelters."
The flooding has forced over 380,000 people to take refuge in
their own city. Some of them have returned to their homes as the
water began to recede while others have preferred to remain at
the shelters, fearing the floods might return.
Many babies are being hospitalized in Tarakan Hospital in
Central Jakarta, where seven died after suffering diarrhea.
To overcome the problem, City Health Agency chief Abdul Cholik
Masulili called on the public to provide meals mostly for the
babies.
Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, at a post-flood
evaluation meeting with Jakarta's five mayors and heads of
agencies, urged all officials not to ignore the starving victims.
"Everyone must get nourishment. You must hand over food items
to help those victims who can already cook. For those who can't,
the public kitchens must serve them meals," he told the mayors.