Help ARC Help Iraq

American Refugee Committee
Monday, 24 March 2003

The American Refugee Committee urgently needs your support for our emergency efforts in Iraq. The people of Iraq have acute needs; needs for food, shelter, water, sanitary facilities, and medical care. ARC is in the unique position of being able to provide these desperately needed services. However, we cannot do this without the generous support of the American people.

The situation in Iraq is dire. Economic and social conditions have been deteriorating for years. Close to 1 million Iraqi children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Today, nearly 60% of the population is dependent on food handouts; those who are most dependent on these rations will be facing starvation from the very first days of the war. Additionally, Iraq is currently suffering from one of the most severe droughts ever recorded.

The majority of the Iraqi population is exposed to water-borne diseases due to the collapse of basic infrastructure. Water-borne illnesses have significantly contributed to the 160% rise in infant mortality since the early 1990s. Water and sanitation systems pose daily health risks to Iraqi citizens.

Children make up nearly half of Iraq's population. Without support and proper care, these children and their families may lose their lives due to illness, drug shortages, and malnutrition. The American Refugee Committee is working to provide life saving assistance to these Iraqi people.

You can help. To donate to this important effort, visit www.archq.org. No gift is too small. Thank you for your generosity.

For more information, or to contact American Refugee Committee, see their website at: www.archq.org