Ireland continues to provide humanitarian aid for children in Belarus 25 years after the Chernobyl disaster.
As the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster approaches, tributes are being paid to Ireland for an enduring contribution to humanitarian aid projects in Belarus, one of the countries most severely affected by the fallout. A quarter of a century later, the need for support remains as urgent as ever.
Leading experts say the assistance provided to children requiring specialised medical treatment has been especially impactful. Among those whose lives were irrevocably changed by the disaster is Olya Mitkitka, one of many children who benefited from extensive aid efforts.
John and Moya O’Riordan of Leamlara, County Cork, play a significant role in this work. After volunteering on a building project in a Belarusian orphanage, the couple went on to bring several children to Ireland, fundraising tirelessly to secure the vital surgeries they required at Cappagh Hospital in Dublin.
Across Belarus, efforts continue to help children living in 300 orphanages. Adi Roche, CEO of Chernobyl Children International, says the scale of need is so vast that they have stopped trying to count how many children require critical care.
When we find them, we reach out and we try to make a difference.
Professor Alexey Nesterenko, Director of the Belrad Institute of Radiation Safety, continues to urge people to do whatever they can to support these vulnerable children.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 April 2011. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
