India (MNN) — Compassion International is seeing success
from its first "Child Survival Program" in Kakdwip, a village of a little more
than 15,000 in West Bengal of East India. The project has been running now for
five months.
The unemployment rate is roughly 70 percent, and salaries are
a mere pittance, ranging from 50 cents to a dollar a day. In Kakdwip, that translates to an infant
mortality rate of 51 deaths per 1,000 births.
With such a high infant mortality rate, the first priority
in promoting effective child development is to ensure that children survive the
early years when they are most vulnerable to disease and malnutrition.
Team members believe it is having an impact in the area, as
they help prevent disease (polio, tuberculosis, measles and diphtheria
immunizations) and malnutrition in the village. They're also teaching about
nutrition, and hygiene, and providing necessities.
Expectant mothers with infants and toddlers through age 3
get special care and guidance, as well as food, supplements, hygiene products
and clothes.
Held in partnership with the indigenous churches, they're
working toward helping the body of Christ grow.
