World Vision targets 50,000 people with emergency assistance

January 1, 2009— International humanitarian organization World Vision has launched an appeal for US $1 million to provide emergency assistance to 50,000 of the most affected people in Gaza.

As soon as the situation in Gaza permits, World Vision plans to provide food parcels, blankets and other basic supplies to the most vulnerable families—particularly those who have fled their homes seeking sanctuary from the shelling.

“Our priority now is to assist those who are living in intolerable conditions with limited access to food, water or medical facilities,” said Charles Clayton, World Vision’s national director for Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza. “Eighty percent of the people in Gaza are already dependent on food aid, and even those who had relied on a meager daily income now find that it is no longer available,” added Clayton.

At a later stage, World Vision will develop cash or food for work activities, to help families provide for basics like medication, food, water and household supplies.

Additionally, World Vision issued a report highlighting disturbing findings of a baseline survey conducted in the Beit Lahya community in North Gaza on December 18.

Significant findings include:

· More than 33 percent of families in Beit Lahya have 10 or more family members and live in extreme poverty. They rely on coupons for food and cannot afford to adequately clothe and educate their children.


· Among children, bedwetting and nightmares featured heavily in focus group findings—both linked with fear and anxiety as a result of the ongoing conflict. "Most children with nightmares experience lack of concentration and attention deficit disorders," shared a teacher in a focus group session.


· While nearly every household in Beit Lahya has access to water, the quality is so poor that 95 percent of households have to buy their drinking water. Many children are affected by parasites and diarrhea, which is adequately treated in only 24 percent of cases.

World Vision staff in Gaza noted that after six days of bombing, the number of children showing signs of trauma is rapidly increasing. With shelling going on hourly and randomly, World Vision’s activities in the Gaza strip have come to a halt. Staff are checking daily on the wellbeing and safety of 1,500 children and their families who are part of the organization’s regular aid activities and support.

World Vision continues to advocate for a complete cessation of violence, and for all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.


World Vision staff are available for interview. Please contact Casey Calamusa at 206.310.5476 or CCalamus@worldvision.org.

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World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.