MDs promote self-sufficiency in ravaged Africa
CMAJ 2000;163(4):435
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Against a backdrop of drought, internecine warfare and an AIDS pandemic, it's difficult to know where to start when attempting to reduce suffering in sub-Saharan Africa. Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief thinks it has found one way: concentrate on establishing healthy, self-sufficient communities, not on providing medical care. "Our goal is building healthy communities, and access to clean water, proper nutrition and primary health education are some of our strategies," says Dr. David Zakus, CPAR's president.
 | Much of CPAR's work involves improving water supplies. This unprotected spring in Ethiopia is at risk of becoming polluted. (Photo courtesy of CPAR) |
The organization's efforts are concentrated in Ethiopia, Uganda and Malawi, where it tries to provide the resources needed to build wells, protect springs and prevent drought. To combat deforestation and erosion, CPAR is coordinating and funding a reforestation program that has seen 46 million trees planted by local residents since 1986; CPAR pays planters for their work. In some areas, where drought has forced people to eat their own livestock and planting seed and to sell their agricultural tools to buy food, CPAR is now attempting to supply tools and seed.
The organization was launched as one doctor's response to the Ethiopian famine of 1984. Toronto physician Mark Doidge and his friend Henry Gold, an engineer, created CPAR as a way to provide food and emergency health services during that crisis.
CPAR, which has offices in Africa and Toronto, can be reached at 416 369-0865 or cpar@web.net; the Web site is at www.cpar.ca. — Susan Pinker, Montreal
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