War may affect generations

IRAQ: A report released yesterday by the British charity Medact says the people of Iraq may suffer poor health for generations as a result of the US war.

"Limited access to clean water and sanitation, as well as poverty, malnutrition and the disruption of public services, continue to have a negative impact on the health of the Iraqi people," according to the report.

The 16-page document, entitled Collateral Damage, estimates that 22,000-55,000 Iraqi soldiers and civilians died as a result of the war. Since May 1st, when the offensive phase was said to be over, more than 2,000 civilians have been killed.

The report says Iraq's environment and physical structures have been damaged, its public health system has collapsed, immunisation programmes have been disrupted, increasing levels of disease and malnutrition doubled to 8 per cent, damaging the physical and mental health of the growing generation.

The deteriorating situation affects the most vulnerable, particularly children, women and the elderly, weakened by privation during a decade of sanctions. Life expectancy has dropped from an average of 59 years. Three out of five Iraqis depend totally on rations provided by the UN and 60 per cent of the workforce is unemployed.

The electricity supply varies greatly from one region to another. In the north power is almost constant, but there is none in Baghdad's slum quarters.