Sir - As a resident of Mozambique, home on holiday, some news images and statements struck a cord in recent days. One reporter drew our attention to the fact that the victims of the floods are now sleeping out in the open and are more susceptible to mosquito bites, leading to malaria.
While undoubtedly the flood waters are contributing to an increase in malaria, such reports hide the reality that even without the added hardship of natural disasters, thousands upon thousands of Mozambicans are dying each year from malaria. In my own small town of between 20,000 and 30,000 people, at least 50 people, mostly children, die unnecessarily each year from malaria. Between 80 and 90 per cent of Mozambicans live in mud huts which offer no protection against the mosquito.
The image of the mother who had just given birth to her child in a tree, rightly touched and shocked all of us who saw her being hoisted into the rescue helicopter. However, it is necessary to remember that such harrowing experiences are part and parcel of daily life in Mozambique and many African countries. Seeing that woman dangling from the helicopter brought back many sad moments for me. Among others, I think of the young mother haemorrhaging on her hut floor, with her new born baby still attached. Or the older mother in the strong African heat, her back leaning against a tree in the bush, attempting to give birth to her still-born baby in the sand and rotting leaves.
So let us continue our generous support of Concern, GOAL and Trocaire but when the floods have subsided, let our attention turn to supporting the debt relief effort being spearheaded by Bono and insist that the Government and TDs of our Tiger economy continue the great tradition we have as a nation of being a voice for the voiceless of our world. - Yours, etc.,
(Fr) Eamon Aylward, ss.cc., Sacred Heart Community, Northbrook Road, Dublin 6