Alternative Assignment:
I chose the country Mongolia from the website, http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/. I learned from this website that Mongolia transitioned from a socialist centrally planned one party state to a multi party democratic state with a liberalised econonmy started in 1990.
The country joined the World Trade Organization in 1997 and Mongolia became one of the most open economies in the world. However, the structural adjustment hit families hard, unemployment rose, inflation and prices soared. Cuts were made to social services and welfare reduced support available just when it was needed most.
Despite the growth and stability Mongolians have yet to see the benefits. In 1998, a survey indicated that 36% of the population were living below the income poverty line and that poverty in Mongolia to be higher in many urban areas that in rural. There is a poverty research survey underway for more recent estimates.
Before the transition social services were of high standard and accessible to all. Now, access to health care for poor familes, migrants and those in remote rural areas is poor, this is due to health insurance scheme that demands user fees and restricts use to those registered as living in that area. The quality of serivces is bad and those who can often turn to private health clinics for treatment, further increasing the gap between the rich and poor.
Malnutrition, is a growing concern 30% of children under five in 1998 had a low height for their age and 10% were underweight. Many children and their families also show signs of nutrient deficiency. Some 51% of the population did not have access to safe drinking water in 1998.
I love reading your comments and postings Lori, you always have valuable information to share with us. It is sad to hear that Mongolian's suffer and continue suffering of issues such as malnutrition and the lact of safe drinking water. Issues that are present in so many countries including the United States.
ReplyDeletePoverty is a epidimic that has touched the lives of families all around the world. Children under the age of five seems to be most vulnerable. Policy makers are going to have to include these children and their families in their budget planning in order for them to at least have a chance to succeed. It's almost as if when they take away the funding for welfare and social services, it's as if they feel they are not needed, when in acutality, they are. The louder the advocation for this cause, the better chance we will have to change things for the better.
ReplyDeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that the change in government has created such chaos in Mongolia. It is pitiful to hear that so many children are malnutritioned and statistically small for their ages. As we have learned during this class, we have to consider the issues that will occur as a reaction to another issue. I wonder if the government considered that their people would suffer in so many ways prior to the change?
In this world, children suffer the most. My heart goes out to children here in the U.S. and around the world that are living in diplorable circumstances.
Thank you for sharing what you learned.
Jennifer Jones
Lori,
ReplyDeleteHow tragic to hear of such poverty in Mongolia. It is heart breaking to think of families and children experiencing malnutrition and such poor living conditions. Safe drinking water is definitely a major issue that affects overall health, growth, and development.