Furthermore, famine in Sudan, results in two main diseases which afflict many people when hunger is a severe problem. Marasmus, through lack of food, cause children to become so thin that they suffer from sickness and diarrhoea and die. Kwashiorkor occurs when malnutrition is present through lack of protein in the diet, which can lead to death.
However, the organisation called the Brandt Report recommended more funds for developing: agriculture, irrigation, agricultural research, crop storage, fertilisers and fisheries. The Brandt Report emphasises that there must be an end to mass hunger and malnutrition. Food aid was recommended, but not at the expense of helping the people themselves to increase their own food production. Christian Aid targeted groups that include households headed by children, the disabled, pregnant women and orphans, the emphasis being on long term development. The following saying emphasises the importance of self-help aid: “Give a man a fish and you feed him, for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for life”.
Also, other biblical references that Christians will apply their beliefs too are identified in (The Rich Fool) Luke 12:13-21 and (The Widow’s offering) Mark 12: 41-44. In the parable of the Rich fool it teaches Christians today that they should be generous and gives donations to charities, this is shown in the words “this is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God”. Also, in the parable of the Widow’s offering, “the rich people all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything –all she had to live on”. This parable shows that Christians do not have to just donate money but they can give their time and talent as well.
The second example of a problem that people in developing countries face is an epidemic disease known as HIV/AIDS. (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome), caused by the virus HIV. HIV/AIDS was first recognised in 1981and there is still no cure. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated in 1997, that there were 30.5 million adults and children living with HIV/AIDS, 20.5 Million coming from Southern Africa. Newly diagnosed HIV is estimated at 16,000 per day and death due to HIV/AIDS was 2.3 million. Factors that have been contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS are poverty, health care, sexual behaviour, social unrest and war.
However, there are numerous foundations which provide a significant portion of the total funding for domestic and international programs to prevent and treat these diseases and to provide care and services to victims.
HOPE worldwide organisation, is a non-profit charity based in the USA, began anti HIV/AIDS programs in 1991 and now has over 100,000 volunteers working in 75 nations on 6 continents. Health education efforts focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS, leprosy, tuberculosis, smoking and numerous child hood diseases.
Further, biblical references that Christians will apply their beliefs too in combating disease and famine are identified in James 2:14-19: (Faith and deeds) and in Luke 10: 25-37: (Good Samaritan). In the parable faith and deeds, Jesus illustrates to Christians that people should put their faith into practice, this is shown in the words “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”. Also, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, a Samaritan takes pity over a beaten up Jew and takes care of him. In this parable Jesus shows a model for Christian generosity.
Overall, Article 25 of the Human Rights Act 2000 states that “Human dignity demands a reasonable standard of living. Everyone has the same basic needs of food, clothing, healthcare and shelter”. All who have been baptised share in the risen life of Christ and Christians should try to “bring the good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18).
