” “The number of people living in need is "dramatically" increasing and "we can hardly meet all demands". This is the denunciation that comes from Nabil Nissan of Caritas Iraq, relayed today by the international agency Fides. "We are says the operator in a state in which, because of the widespread violence, people have problems receiving medical care, while problems of corruption and thefts often prevent medicines, food, humanitarian aids of all kinds arriving at destination in the centres where they are shipped". Currently, 65% of Iraqis (approximately 13 million people out of a total of 24 million) live in extreme poverty and need permanent care to survive. To cope with this relentless emergency, partly aggravated by the spreading of drug abuse and street children, Caritas has been working harder in its 14 centres. One of the most important projects is "Well Baby Programme" (Wbp) which offers medical care and food to mothers with young children. In one year, the Wbp programme has assisted over 8,300 children and they are estimated to reach over 10,000 by the end of 2006. The water purification plan has been resumed, so that water could be supplied to 400 thousand Iraqis. In the medical camp, Caritas Iraq assists 6 thousand people and in 17 centres it hands out to families and vulnerable people food kits and basic items.” “
