We Need Levees! - August 2008

Every year, communities throughout El Salvador suffer the consequences of preventable disasters such as flooding. But when community leaders and citizens approach their local or national government with proposals to mitigate the risks of such disasters, they are often met with the same refrain: “It’s not in the budget.”

Communities in the coastal areas of four of El Salvador’s major rivers (Rio Lempa, Rio Grande, Rio Jiboa, and Rio Paz) are taking a more proactive approach... (Click here for the entire article).

Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Lower Lempa - July 2008

Too often, youth throughout El Salvador make poor decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health, increasing their risk of an unintended pregnancy or contracting sexually transmitted infections. For many youth, their decision-making process is driven by misinformation, myths, and cultural norms, or they simply lack the empowerment to prioritize their health over other factors.  While some in the NGO and government sectors have taken steps to empower youth with information about how to care for their sexual and reproductive health, risky behavior remains the norm. Unfortunately, social, cultural, and religious barriers continue to hamper their efforts. (Click here for the entire article)

 

Food Security in the Lower Lempa - July 2008

Last week, the United Nations World Food Program made the last of three food handouts to citizens of the Lower Lempa. Severe drought followed by flooding resulted in near 100% crop failure throughout the region last year, and families needed the donations to ensure their survival until the August 2008 harvest. The World Bank defines food security as “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active and healthy life.” Last year’s crop loss and the need for food handouts highlight how far El Salvador is from achieving “food security.”

While it is easy to attribute the current food shortage in the Lower Lempa to last year’s sever weather, the region’s unstable position and the nation-wide food crisis are rooted in bad economic policy and the government’s failure to serve the interests of all Salvadorans. (Click here for the entire story)