Humanitarian Locations, Problems and Solutions

July 13, 2017

Help is needed all around the world. In this series of blog posts, we’ll highlight some of the places where your help is needed most. We’ll provide some helpful statistics and a bit of background that will help put the people’s need in context.

We appreciate your interest in helping in helping those in need. For more detailed information, or to begin planning your trip, please contact CV Humanitarian Travel.

Haiti
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Languages: French, Haitian Creole
Major Religions: Catholic (54.7%) Protestant (28.5%) Baptist (15.4%) Pentacostal (7.9%)
Land Area: 10,710 sq. mi.
GDP (nominal): $8.259 billion
Per Capita: $761
Population: 10,848,000
Population Density (per sq. mi.): 989.4
Problems
Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. Continual political unrest, widespread illiteracy, disease, and hunger have plagued Haiti for decades. As if humanitarian issues weren’t enough, natural disasters have devastated the nation in recent years.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12, 2010 was followed by more than a week of powerful aftershocks. The low estimate for the death toll (USAID) was 85,000, while Haitian officials claimed that more than 315,000 had been killed. Hundreds of thousands were left homeless. Disaster struck again when Hurricane Matthew struck the Tiburon Peninsula on October 4, 2016, killing more than 550 and leaving 175,000 homeless.

Solutions
Medical missionaries can make a huge difference in Haiti, but there are also opportunities for construction assistance, youth or adult ministry, and educational assistance.

Nepal
Capital: Kathmandu
Languages: Nepali
Major Religions: Hinduism (81.3%) Buddhism (28.5%) Islam (4.4%) Kirant (3%)
Land Area: 59,827 sq. mi.
GDP (nominal): $24.067 billion
Per Capita: $837
Population: 10,848,000
Population Density (per sq. mi.): 466.2

Problems
Home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, Nepal is a land of striking beauty and dramatic landscapes. However, partially due to its rugged terrain, infrastructure is weak, and roads that can be used year-round are often difficult for the rural population to reach. The results of this inaccessibility are poverty and subsistence living, lack of education, and poor healthcare.

To make matters worse, Nepal was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in April, 2015. The quake killed nearly 9,000 and injured 22,000. The quake left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Solutions
Medical help is badly needed in Nepal. Educators are a great help to the people of Nepal, as well as builders. Of course, youth and adult ministry help is appreciated, as well.

Senegal
Capital: Dakar
Languages: French
Major Religions: Islam (92%) Christianity (7%)
Land Area: 75,591 sq. mi.
GDP (nominal): $15.431 billion
Per Capita: $973
Population: 15,589,485
Population Density (per sq. mi.): 177.9

Problems
Unlike many African nations, Senegal has enjoyed relative political stability for decades. Its economy is growing, as well. Even so, Senegal faces many socio-economic issues that are common in developing nations. Unemployment is an ongoing problem, and there are few labor opportunities available. Also, because agriculture is an important sector of the economy, West Africa’s cyclical droughts have been a problem. As a result, Senegal is facing aggressive desertification.

Other problems include drug addiction, malnutrition, illiteracy, and high levels of gender inequality. Sub-par healthcare in the region has led to problems with otherwise-preventable disease.

Solutions
Due to its relative stability, Senegal is comparably safe for humanitarian travel. Medical care and education are needed most but, due to the country’s poor infrastructure, experienced builders and construction workers can also provide much-needed assistance.

These are just three of the many countries served by CV Humanitarian Travel. Your help is needed around the world. We will help you plan your humanitarian travel to make it as affordable and efficient as possible. Contact CV Humanitarian Travel today to begin planning your next trip.