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COOPERATIVE SOCIAL EMERGENCY TRANSPORT POBIC

Category Open Heart

July 15

The Third World between history and current events: how POBIC helps constantly

The Third World: History and Current Events—How POBIC Provides Consistent Support The Third World: History and Current Events The term “Third World” takes us to the heart of a geopolitical landscape that encompasses issues that remain central to the international political and social framework to this day.    The global debate on critical issues such as significant population growth, the lack of adequate infrastructure, economic development, and food insecurity is shifting its focus to the current situation in sub-Saharan Africa—that is, the region encompassing the entire area south of the Sahara.    We are talking about structural vulnerabilities that extend from the western part of the continent to the so-called “Horn of Africa,” and which primarily concern the resurgence of poverty and civil conflicts due mainly to the return of famine.   (Watch the video below, in which we welcome the latest group of girls who have arrived in Italy to join the OPEN HEART project) https://youtu.be/TjU5Bzg0eBc Third World Countries: What’s Happening The Third World as we know it today reflects a series of controversies rooted in history and, in particular, in its centuries-old relationship with the modernized West.    Alarming events that are a daily occurrence in countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Mozambique could in fact be considered the “aftermath” of predominantly political control that took place between the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, with the partition of various territories across the sub-Saharan region among Western powers and the massive exploitation of local resources.   Despite the collapse of colonial regimes and the territorial autonomy achieved after World War II, African states nevertheless suffered from a clear state of underdevelopment even during the “decolonization” phase, caused largely by the heavy legacy of the administration implemented by European powers. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 + Why It’s Called the Third World It is within this historical context—characterized by widespread demands for recognition on the part of African states, which simultaneously found their place within the global political landscape—that the term “Third World” emerged.    The term was coined by the French economist and sociologist Alfred Sauvy in 1952 in one of his articles, drawing on what was known during the revolutionary era as the “Third Estate,” comprising the less affluent segments of the population.    Sauvy’s intent was to identify all those countries that were neither economically integrated into the capitalist system of the West—that is, the “First World”—nor ideologically aligned with the Soviet East, known as the “Second World,” which stood in political opposition to the First.  A New Geopolitical Order Beyond the hegemony exercised by the two blocs, a a completely unprecedented geopolitical order that would go far beyond the traditional East-West dichotomy and would directly involve developing regions of the globe located in the southern hemisphere, such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America.   In this way, the socioeconomic identity of the so-called non-aligned countries was becoming increasingly clear, united by a deep desire for liberation and emancipation from imperialist policies.   It is no coincidence that in the contemporary media landscape, there is still talk of “Third Worldism,” a concept born of the awareness on the part of the countries involved of the fundamental precariousness of their national economies as a direct consequence of the traumas suffered during colonialism, which African leaders considered the primary cause of the political and economic disaster.    In this sense, the issue of Third Worldism has been interpreted as the very will to break free from Western development models, alongside the legitimization of national sovereignty capable of promoting a far more “democratic” vision of progress and collective well-being.    However, long-standing internal inequalities and cultural divisions—themselves the result of historical and institutional complexities—have ultimately considerably reduced the ability of African governments to ensure equality among the various segments of the population and, above all, to expand economically. Third World: African Nationalisms The stigma of subjugation by foreign powers has, in a certain sense, served as the driving force behind the emergence of African nationalisms founded on full freedom of self-determination in governance, a goal that the Third World’s massive debt to creditors or other states with significantly higher levels of wealth has made—and continues to make—difficult to achieve.    Today’s austerity policies, with the resulting marginalization of African nations from international trade networks, can be interpreted as a modern form of subordination exercised by peoples who were once advocates of direct control over their entire territory.    If we consider the underdevelopment afflicting much of the African continent, we cannot overlook that kind of dependence which, even if through seemingly dissimilar dynamics, would likely justify our perception of the past in relation to a reinterpretation of the present.    Given the significant disparities that persist regarding living standards, consumption of goods, and access to services compared to nations with higher levels of industrialization, it would be a mistake to ignore what today could be considered, to all intents and purposes, the new geopolitical narrative arising from an increasingly marked contrast between the northern and southern hemispheres.    To combat the economic challenges facing the developing world, POBIC works tirelessly to address a problem with deep historical roots that leads to enormous health challenges. The “Open Heart” project, which saves dozens of children every year, was born there.  Find out now what it’s all about. HELP US DO EVEN MORE Every donation is essential to us. YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE, TOO

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June 27

The challenges for children in Africa: how Pobic operates on the continent

Challenges Facing Children in Africa: How Pobic Operates on the Continent​ Initiatives to Improve the Lives of Children in Africa: Health, Education, and Protection. Children in Africa make up a significant portion of the continent’s population, with more than 50% of Africans under the age of 18. Their living conditions vary greatly depending on the region and socioeconomic context. In many rural areas, access to basic services such as safe drinking water, education, and healthcare is limited. Malnutrition is a widespread scourge, with approximately 46.7 million children at risk in West and Central Africa due to conflicts and displacement. This alarming figure, reported in a UNICEF press release on December 22, 2023, highlights the serious consequences of humanitarian crises in the region. Therefore, as is widely known, the situation for children in Africa is by no means simple, but the difficulties they face can be alleviated by initiatives aimed at improving their prospects, including those implemented by Pobic. (Watch the video below in which we welcome the latest group of girls who have arrived in Italy to join the OPEN HEART project) The Importance of Education Education is one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty, but many African children lack access to a quality education. In some regions, schools are far away and poorly equipped, and there are not enough teachers. Girls, in particular, face additional barriers, such as gender discrimination and early marriage. However, various programs are underway to improve access to education, such as initiatives by NGOs that build schools and provide scholarships. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children treated 0 Children examined 0 + Technology for children’s health in Africa Health conditions pose another critical challenge. Diseases such as malaria, measles, and diarrhea continue to cause numerous deaths among children. Limited access to healthcare services, combined with poverty, makes it difficult for many families to obtain the necessary care. Vaccination campaigns and health awareness initiatives are essential to improving this situation. In this context, services such as the Emergency Transport program run by Pobic are essential for ensuring that children and people with limited mobility can access the necessary treatment. Emergency Transport is a vital service for people with limited mobility—whether temporary or permanent—including people with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone who has difficulty getting around. This service is essential for those who require medical transportation for hospital visits, medical exams, or transfers within the region or to other regions. The ambulances, staffed by Pobic volunteers, ensure that patients receive the necessary care promptly, significantly improving their quality of life.   Open Heart Humanitarian Project The Open Heart project is a humanitarian program that identifies children in Africa and Eastern European countries suffering from serious heart conditions that require specialized surgical procedures. These children are brought to Italy along with their mothers and undergo pediatric cardiac surgery at the Giannina Gaslini Hospital in Genoa. After treatment, the children return to their home countries. The next phase of the project aims to develop local expertise and infrastructure so that these surgeries can be performed directly in their home countries. POBIC is the home in Yenagoa that provides shelter for mothers and children in need. Children in Africa and the Many Challenges They Face Children in Africa face numerous challenges, but with the right support and appropriate policies, they have the potential to change the continent’s future. Investing in children’s education, health, and rights is not only a moral imperative but also a fundamental strategy for Africa’s sustainable development. The international community, together with local governments and nongovernmental organizations, must continue to collaborate to create an environment in which all African children can thrive. Learn about Pobic’s initiatives and support our organization to ensure proper care for children in Africa. HELP US DO EVEN MORE Every donation is essential to us. YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE, TOO

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June 8

Mary Ariella and Jernita have landed: a firsthand account from those who were there.

Mary, Ariella, and Jernita Have Landed: An Account from Someone Who Was There​ Their arrival, as told by Simran. Yesterday, the day began very early. We left at 4 a.m. headed for Malpensa Airport, where the flight from Uganda—carrying the three girls we were eagerly awaiting, Mary, Ariella, and Jernita—was scheduled to land at 7:10 a.m. However, the flight was delayed by 20 minutes, and after security checks and baggage claim, the girls emerged from the arrivals gate around 9 a.m. There are fundraising campaigns for them. Learn more about their story in the links below. Ariella Is Dying Mary’s Heart Is Failing Jernita Can’t Breathe https://youtu.be/TjU5Bzg0eBc Mary’s Fragile Life: First Critical Checkup As soon as they came out, our first concern was Mary, who is in particularly critical condition. We immediately placed her on a stretcher to check her oxygen saturation, which was at 86. This reading was a relief, since a saturation level below 50 would have required emergency transport by ambulance with sirens blaring to the Gaslini Hospital in Genoa. Fortunately, that wasn’t necessary. Mary’s sister arrived with her; she had stayed with Mary in the ambulance to keep her company and reassure her. The other two mothers were accompanying their daughters, Ariella and Jernita, who were also in serious condition, though less critical than Mary’s.   We asked the accompanying adults if there had been any complications during the flight, but they reassured us that everything had gone smoothly and that the flight attendants had also been a great help. So, we set off for Gaslini Hospital, a journey of about 40 minutes.   THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE SAVE THE LIVES OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN EVERY YEAR. HELP US DO EVEN MORE. Countries 0 Children operated on 0 Children examined 0 + Initial Assessments at Gaslini: Every Minute Counts Upon arrival at Gaslini Hospital in Genoa, we headed to the emergency room, where the staff at the registration desk checked the vital signs of all three girls. After this initial check, they were taken to a small room with beds for further tests.   Mary and Ariella were taken for an echocardiogram and a chest X-ray. There we met Dr. Carmelo Arcidiacono, a physician already known to the POBIC association, who had participated in a screening in Nigeria last year, where he had diagnosed the serious condition of Destiny, another girl we had operated on. This year he led a screening in Uganda, which is why we brought Mary, Ariella, and Jernita to Italy for surgery. Decisions to Be Made: Mary and Ariella Under Examination The situation became clear: Mary would be admitted immediately, while a catheterization procedure was scheduled for Ariella on Tuesday. To avoid constant travel between Mantua and Genoa, they decided to find a hospital bed for Ariella. Jernita, on the other hand, could return home to Bozzolo for the time being, since her condition was slightly more stable. Sudden Changes: Ariella’s Fragile Condition Meanwhile, the doctor who had performed the X-ray confirmed the severity of Ariella’s condition. However, new information came in: Ariella would be admitted, but not to Gaslini, rather to another hospital.    We were told this while we were admitting Mary and Jernita, the two girls in the most serious condition, to the hospital. A nurse came to us to have us sign some papers and, in the meantime, informed us of the change of plans. Initially, Dr. Arcidiacono had told us that they would simply increase Ariella’s medication dosage. Conclusion of the Day: A Continuing Fight for Life After further clarification, they confirmed that the nurse had made a mistake: Ariella would not be admitted to another hospital but would remain with us. At the end of the day, Mary and Jernita were admitted to Gaslini Hospital, with Jernita scheduled for a catheterization on Tuesday and Mary awaiting a surgery that could save her life.   Ariella and her mother were settled in Bozzolo, in the apartment we had prepared by cleaning and furnishing it the day before. Recap: A Crucial Day Mary and her sister are hospitalized at Gaslini Hospital in Genoa. Jernita and her mother are also at Gaslini. Ariella and her mother are in Bozzolo, in the apartment prepared by the association. This intense and tense day is just a small part of the work we do to save these children’s lives. Every step is crucial, and every decision can mean the difference between life and death. HELP US DO EVEN MORE Every donation is essential to us. YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE, TOO

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