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"If we take the full meaning of the term society into consideration, it will be seen that till now human beings have not been able to form a real society. If India builds a society for only Indians, Pakistan for only Pakistanis, and England for only the English, then these three separate societies will exist, but we cannot look upon them as the society of humanity. Because humanity is divided into groups, one society will naturally try to thrive by exploiting the vitality of others. �You will notice that efforts are being made to establish so-called societies in some particular part of the world, for some particular section of the people, and based on some particular 'ism" or faith. A social consciousness based on such divisions lies latent in the minds of the people, whether they are Indian, Pakistani or English, so they remain absorbed in thoughts of their smaller groups." - Shrii Prabhat R. Sarkar


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"Human beings have still not been able to form a human society, and have still not learned to move with the spirit of a pilgrim. Although many small groups, motivated by self-interest, work together in particular situations, not even a small fraction of their work is done with a broader social motive. By strict definition, shall we have to declare that each small family unit is a society in itself? If going ahead in mutual adjustment only out of narrow self-interest or momentary self-seeking is called society, then in such a society, no provision can be made for the disabled, the diseased or the helpless, because in most cases nobody can benefit from them in any way... in that case there always remains the possibility of some people getting isolated from the collective. All human beings must attach themselves to others by the common bond of love and march forward hand in hand; then only will I proclaim it a society." - Shrii Prabhat R. Sarkar

"Power concedes nothing without a demand.' The struggle for justice must never be adjourned. The forces of injustice do not take vacations. Societies are not static in this regard. They await the political and civic energies of individuals who engage the arenas of power, multiply their numbers and emblazon in deeds and institutions the immortal principle that "Here the People Rule." - Ralph Nader

SOUTHERN AFRICA: Acute malnutrition rates rise as food crisis deepens


WFP says it needs funding to reach millions of hungry people in the region.

By Obinna Anyadike/IRIN

JOHANNESBURG, 27 Dec 2005 (IRIN) - The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that it lacks adequate funding to deliver food aid to the most vulnerable people in Southern Africa.

Aid agencies estimate that some 12 million people are food insecure in the region, which has suffered widespread crop failures due to erratic weather. The impact of HIV/AIDS, deepening poverty and the weakened capacity of governments to care for people in need have exacerbated the current crisis.

"WFP needs US $77 million immediately to keep providing food aid in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe - the countries hit hardest by the region's food crisis - until June 2006, when the next harvest is due," the agency said in a statement.

Lesotho and Swaziland will also receive food aid over the same period, WFP added. The agency aimed to reach nine million food insecure people in the region.

As the hunger crisis deepens, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that malnutrition rates have continued to rise.

In Zambia's food-insecure districts, acute malnutrition was at nearly eight percent, as compared to the five percent average recorded during the national 2001/2002 Demographic Health Survey and 2002/2003 NGO surveys, OCHA noted.

In Madagascar, acute malnutrition rates doubled since 1997, reaching 14 percent countrywide. In Malawi, admissions of severely malnourished children to nutritional rehabilitation units in October rose four percent as compared to last year.

OCHA added that in drought-affected areas of Mozambique, acute malnutrition was at five percent and, in Zimbabwe, vulnerable districts had recorded rates of nine percent.

"The people who suffer the most when there are food shortages are the children, the sick and the elderly," Mike Sackett, WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa, was quoted as saying. "With so many young children having to fend for themselves and their siblings, there are valid fears for their long-term development and even their survival."

Sackett warned that the traditional lean season, from January to March, would be tougher in 2006 than in previous years, "as most people affected by drought have already sold off every asset they had to buy food".

"Maize prices are also extremely high in the affected countries, making it even harder for people with little money," he added.

WFP's three-year food relief project, from January 2005 to December 2007, required a total of $621 million. The current shortfall of $299 million included the $77 million needed for January to April 2006.

Last Updated December 30, 2005 7:22 PM

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