It’s still an under reported tragedy. Over 20 million people in neighbouring Pakistan have lost all but their lives as flood waters continue to surge forth – even three weeks on since heavy rains hit the country.
The UN has called for a $460 million response plan to deal with this humanitarian disaster – far worse in its impact than many in recent times put together - the Haiti earthquake, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 and the 2008 Cyclone Nargis.
The UK has recently announced doubling its aid to meet this target. Others need to follow suit.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Chasing a tale
It was in spring this year that I went to Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh – India’s largest and one of the poorest states – to oversee a photo-shoot.
The subject was a nondescript van (see above) that ferries pregnant women across rocky terrain to the nearest health facility. Its remarkable drive lies in achieving this safely and in time.
The van goes by the name of Janani Express – janani means ‘mother’ in Hindi – and is run by the government to promote safe births in rural India.
Spurred by news of its success in the state, we landed at Shivpuri (a district that has one of the worst indicators on maternal mortality) to record its winning run. And in the process, I uncovered the personal struggles and joy of Asha, Kiran, Anita and Rekha – women I met in this chase for a tale. Meet and read their stories here.
The 24X7 service will now expand to 50 districts in the state – bringing hope to more women in need. Incidentally, in India, a woman dies in childbirth every 7 minutes.
The subject was a nondescript van (see above) that ferries pregnant women across rocky terrain to the nearest health facility. Its remarkable drive lies in achieving this safely and in time.
The van goes by the name of Janani Express – janani means ‘mother’ in Hindi – and is run by the government to promote safe births in rural India.
Spurred by news of its success in the state, we landed at Shivpuri (a district that has one of the worst indicators on maternal mortality) to record its winning run. And in the process, I uncovered the personal struggles and joy of Asha, Kiran, Anita and Rekha – women I met in this chase for a tale. Meet and read their stories here.
The 24X7 service will now expand to 50 districts in the state – bringing hope to more women in need. Incidentally, in India, a woman dies in childbirth every 7 minutes.
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