BELARUS Background After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Alexandr Lukashenko has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion continue. Environmental issues: Soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine. Population below poverty line: 27.1% (2003 est.) -- From the CIA World Factbook Needs WWHA has been involved with humanitarian works in Belarus for approximately eight years. We are currently providing financial assistance to Sasha Chernitsky to maintain a soup kitchen in the city of Minsk, which provides one meal a day for homeless and poor people. At present there are approximately 160 persons who are registered to receive a meal at the kitchen. The School for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired in the city of Bobruisk does a tremendous job in working with deaf children and those with hearing impairments. Via an ongoing relationship with the school, we provided computers and software that aid the instructors in the classroom. We have provided funds to support the Visiting Nurse Program in the city of Minsk. This was a pilot program that has expanded with tremendous results in providing basic care and medical evaluation to many elderly shut-ins in the city. WWHA continues to expand efforts in Belarus and are looking for more ways to help improve the quality of life for its citizens. We work with the Health Care professionals to provide medical equipment and up to date medical publications. In 2000, a container of medical supplies was shipped to Belarus and distributed to various hospitals and clinics throughout the country. We also provide funding and sponsorship for doctors to attend medical seminars for continuing education opportunities. Belarus Ghana Kosovo Myanmar Vietnam