12 October, 2006
“It is not easy for the inhabitants of the bateyes and rural communities of the Dominican Republic to consume a balanced diet,” said BRA’s CEO, Ulrick Gaillard. Several complex factors contribute to this problem, which takes its heaviest toll on the children who need proper nutrition to fully develop mentally and physically. People in these areas of the country live in extreme poverty and are unable to buy enough and quality products to feed their families. Plus, there is poor distribution of fruits and vegetables, ironically so abundant in other points of the Dominican Republic. The lack of electricity complicates things even more, since meat and dairy go bad very quickly. On top of this, water is scarce and not apt for human consumption and if not boiled, it can contain dangerous parasites and bacteria. In an attempt to palliate the effects of child malnutrition, the Batey Relief Alliance, in partnerships of the Vitamin Angel Alliance and the Direct Relief International, is sponsoring next year a nationwide multivitamin program to be carried out through collaborative efforts with local NGOs, the Dominican Ministry of Health (SESPAS) and the Department of Education. The program aims to provide to 55,000 children between the ages of 2 and 10, living in provinces of Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macoris, La Romana, Elias Pinas, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, with daily multivitamins and anti-parasite medication twice a year for three years. The BRA is currently in talks with the local health authorities to ensure their support and collaboration towards this initiative.
