SEATTLE - As summer temperatures
exceed 120 degrees in Iraq, hopes for a quick return to normalcy have faded.
The triple threat of security issues, poor health conditions and malnutrition
continue to disrupt countrywide relief efforts. Despite these obstacles,
World Concern and its partners remain committed to providing aid to impoverished
Iraqi families.
The cities of Baghdad and Mosul were
identified as two of the areas most in need following initial assessments.
A partial operation has begun with 2,500 families (12,500 people) receiving
food parcels so far. Strong ties with local churches in the areas have
allowed World Concern and its partners to distribute food items freely
to those families identified as most in need.
Many Iraqis continue to find themselves unable to purchase the most basic food items to sustain their families. In addition, the public distribution system has failed since the beginning of military conflict. World Concern food kits, which include items such as canned fish, meat, beans, milk and pasta, have been called "life-saving" by recipients. As funds increase and security improves, World Concern plans to double the families in their food program to 5,000 (25,000 people) per month.