Indian actress and producer, Priyanka Chopra has revealed her eye-opening experience during her time in Kenya as part of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) team as a goodwill ambassador.
Speaking to NTV, the actress raised concerns about the plight of many families in drought-stricken areas. She pointed out that the situation was dreadful compared to the past 40 years.
Chopra affirmed that countries such as Kenya bear the brunt of climate change effects caused by developed countries.
"This kind of human suffering, especially when it comes to children and can be prevented, should not exist. Children dying of starvation and having no access to food or water. All of this is preventable as long as they have access to these vital resources."
"This drought is due to a climate crisis that the poorest nations and communities are not really responsible for. The carbon emissions that happen are predominantly done by developed countries but those affected the most are those who contribute the least."
The global phenomenon, who wears many hats as a model and singer, added that her role as UNICEF goodwill ambassador was to highlight such situations for the international space intervention.
"I think my position as UNICEF goodwill ambassador is to remind the world that this kind of plight is the worst that it has been for 40 years. I'm here to implore the global community that they should not forget what is happening in this part of the world."
The actress raised concerns about a dispensary in Sopel, Turkana County, which only had one health official to cater to 450 patients who walked in on a daily basis.
"The greatest need right now is funding to buy food, create boreholes, create systems where sanitation can be accessed, medication."
"I went to a dispensary in Sopel and there was one doctor and over 450 patients a day who come from over 20kms away. That kind of dire situation requires funding.
Chopra, a passionate advocate for the girl child, noted that the female gender ought to stand together to push the equality agenda forward.
"Women are going through a very interesting and difficult time around the world. We live in the age of information where our voices can travel and I think it important for us to partner with our sisters who don't have a voice, to talk about things that are happening that need to change such as the basics of human rights, healthcare."
