Hunger and malnutrition are said to
be the number one health threat worldwide. Fatality-wise World Food Program
(WFP) rates it higher than HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis –combined.
There are numerous causes of hunger that
can be told. WFP suggests the following key causes: conflict, poverty, poor
agricultural infrastructure and over-exploitation of the environment.
Besides, there is silent hunger
characterized by micro-nutrient deficiencies –which make people susceptible to
infectious diseases, impair physical and mental development, reduce labor
productivity, and increase the risk of premature deaths.
Estimates from WFP show 925 million
people under-malnourished. In Uganda WFP has done well to better the hunger
situation in north eastern region (Karamoja) by extending assistance to
families in form of nutritional supplements and education.
Reports show 1 of every 6 children
born with low birth rate due to under-malnutrition among pregnant women in
developing countries. The trends threaten survival of the human race.. The
millennium development goals stipulate the need to halve hunger by 2015 as most
top agenda.
Despite efforts to address rising
hunger, it continues to paralyze human security. Malnutrition affects 32.5% of
children in developing countries. Them, pregnant women, disabled and elderly
are most at risk. Raising awareness and practical assistance are critical needs
followed by economic empowerment for sustainable food access.
The Union of Community Development Volunteers
(UCDV) is a charity organization that began work in 2002, and with head offices
in Mengo, Kampala. It highlighted water and sanitation as most pertinent need
vital to all efforts towards attainment of food security.
Water security guaranteed community
of crop and livestock production throughout the year. It also ensures that the
water provided is safe and accessible by the underprivileged communities in
Uganda.
We found it right that by providing
free and safe water, we help to save communities of water expenses (poverty
alleviation) and to maintain healthy and productive population, able to work
and produce food.
Today the organization operates in
10 districts. UCDV works with volunteers coming from all over the world for
many reasons; including charity, personal fulfillment and satisfaction, career
progress, and research.
We therefore welcome applications
that target the following areas of work:
1. Water and Sanitation
2. Environment Education and
Protection
3. Women and Children
4. Disabled and the Elderly
5. Elementary Education, Vocation, and Life
skills
6. Partnership and Child-sponsorship
Relations
7. Concept Development and
Fund-raising 8. Reproductive Health
9. Livelihood Development
10. Research and Reporting
For more information regarding volunteer
positions and internships, contact us through the address below:
Coordinator,
Volunteer Development Program,
UCDV UGANDA,
P.O. BOX P.O. BOX 35792, KAMPALA –
UGANDA
+256 414 690 897/ +256 782 713 500
ucdvolunteers@yahoo.com or
info@ucdv.org
