Fifty people from 11 countries will trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp in October in a fund-raising initiative spearheaded by Gulf for Good, a Dubai-based charity organization launched in March 2001, under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.
The campaign is in conjunction with Himalayan Health Care (HHC) and aims at raising funds for the construction of a clinic in Ilam, a remote and underprivileged region in Nepal's eastern border with India.
"About 90 percent of Nepal's 21 million people live in mainly inaccessible rural villages so it is hardly surprising that health conditions are among the poorest in the world," said Vanessa Jackson, Charity administrator, Gulf For Good.
"Over 250,000 people live in the Ilam region and at present there is only one small government clinic, which is inadequately funded and ill equipped to serve the area."
The 12-days trekking adventure is classified as a moderate to strenuous hike, averaging seven to eight hours per day of sustained walking, altitudes up to 5,545 meters, carrying a light daypack. Each participant must raise a minimum of 12,000 Emirati dirhams in aid.
"We hope to raise in excess of Dhs400,000 for the Ilam clinic which will provide a broad spectrum of services including prenatal care, outpatient and obstetrical delivery and child-care with emphasis on educational programs as well as water hygiene to prevent illness, vaccinations and in-patient care," said Jackson.
To mark the occasion a charity ball will be held at the Dusit Dubai on September 12, organized by participants as part of their fundraising campaign. The Dusit Dubai is among the event's sponsors together with MMI and MCS/Action.
"This is a worthwhile cause which can really make a difference to the lives and well-being of thousands of people in Nepal. Backing such an initiative is an honor and a privilege," said Michael Tiplady, general manager of Dusit Hotel.
HHC is an international non-profit organization, operating in Nepal since 1992. It provides medical care, education and income generating programs in the rural regions. In the last ten years, HHC has sponsored medical treks by doctors to the remoter areas treating over
20,000 people.
Surplus funds raised by the participants will go towards Seva Canada
Society which provides mobile eye clinics, eye care services and community out-reach programs to the remoter regions of Nepal. – (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
