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China
Zhangfeng Township, in southwest China on the border with Myanmar, is home to 38,000 people. It is located near the main poppy-growing operation and the distribution center for illegal drugs. Many families in surrounding communities have been adversely affected by the environment created by the drug trade, as relatives have developed addictions, gone into debt or contracted HIV/AIDS. Most people survive on subsistence farming; however, farmland is limited and there are few other ways to earn income. Water quality is a serious problem, and women and children spend up to an hour a day carrying water from the main wells to their homes.
Yushu Prefecture in Qinghai Province, the far western region of China, is home to Tibetan herding communities. The herders reside at high altitudes in the mountains, enduring the harsh climate with little access to basic services. Residential schools lack both light to enable students to study in the evening and hot water systems to maintain basic hygiene. There is little access to information about basic healthcare. In addition, nutrition is poor, as the climate makes it difficult to raise vegetables.
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Amity Foundation, an independent Chinese voluntary organization with offices in Nanjing and Hong Kong, to promote education, social services, health and rural development in the country.
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
- HIV/AIDS education programs at village clinics provide knowledge about prevention targeted at high-risk groups such as women and youth.
- Support is given to local clinics which work with the Chinese government to provide ARV treatment to patients living with HIV/AIDS. This support includes the provision of medicines to fight the opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients and mechanical needle destruction to protect the clinic's health workers.
- A water system for the Diesa village provides safe water for more than 1,000 people and lowers the incidence of water-borne illnesses.
- Health clinics provide annual exams for women.
- Communities are receiving education about maternal and child health and hygiene.
- Biogas systems are provided for home kitchens to reduce indoor air pollution.
Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply
- Training in improved farming methods and animal care helps families increase the yield and value of their crops.
- Communities receive training in greenhouse vegetable production to add variety and nutrition to their diets.
Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities
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A community-based revolving loan fund helps families affected by HIV/AIDS, drug addiction and poverty to increase their income.
- Improving village roads enables easier travel to markets.
- Solar power systems for clean energy are being provided and communities are receiving training in the use and repair of alternative energy systems, as well as general education about environmental awareness.
- Local clinics have been supplied with light systems, enabling nighttime and emergency treatment.
- Three residential schools have received lighting and hot water systems to promote hygiene and child health.
