“We are lacking enough sanitation, because of the insufficient chlorine, which is essential for the sterilization of drinking water. Many of the diseases are water-borne diseases, for example typhoid. …In this hospital - and this is a teaching hospital, in the capital - we have a child die every day and sometimes two. Imagine what it is outside of the capital, in the rural areas?” asks Dr. Mehi.
United Nations’ reports confirm this harsh picture. According to a report Kofi Annan made to the Security Council in September, “[a]ccess to clean water is still far less than the demand, and sewage-flooded streets, caused by sewer blockages, have become a common phenomenon...” On November 19th, a second report released by Mr. Annan found that “despite the availability of drugs against amoebic dysentery, hydatidosis, toxoplasmosis, typhoid and visceral leishmaniasis, these diseases are not under control due to the poor state of water, environmental sanitation and related infrastructures.” Both reports also repeatedly criticize the “unacceptably high level of holds” placed on humanitarian supplies in the UN Sanctions Committee. Although Iraq has sold over $50 billion worth of oil under Oil-for-Food, less than $23 billion worth of supplies have been received, and - despite “smart” sanctions - over $5 billion in contracts remain on hold at the UN thanks to U.S. and UK members of the Committee. Additionally, there is currently a $2.4 billion shortfall in the humanitarian program due to the new, U.S. policy of “retroactive pricing,” where anyone buying Iraqi oil isn’t allowed to know the price of the oil they’re buying until after they’ve purchased it.
United Nations’ reports confirm this harsh picture. According to a report Kofi Annan made to the Security Council in September, “[a]ccess to clean water is still far less than the demand, and sewage-flooded streets, caused by sewer blockages, have become a common phenomenon...” On November 19th, a second report released by Mr. Annan found that “despite the availability of drugs against amoebic dysentery, hydatidosis, toxoplasmosis, typhoid and visceral leishmaniasis, these diseases are not under control due to the poor state of water, environmental sanitation and related infrastructures.” Both reports also repeatedly criticize the “unacceptably high level of holds” placed on humanitarian supplies in the UN Sanctions Committee. Although Iraq has sold over $50 billion worth of oil under Oil-for-Food, less than $23 billion worth of supplies have been received, and - despite “smart” sanctions - over $5 billion in contracts remain on hold at the UN thanks to U.S. and UK members of the Committee. Additionally, there is currently a $2.4 billion shortfall in the humanitarian program due to the new, U.S. policy of “retroactive pricing,” where anyone buying Iraqi oil isn’t allowed to know the price of the oil they’re buying until after they’ve purchased it.