Enhancing Human Security in the Chernobyl-Affected Areas of Belarus

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster and its aftermath affected myriad aspects of life for Belarusian citizens. The radioactive fallout disrupted agricultural production, leading to the closure of farms and enterprises in heavily contaminated areas, causing significant job loss and increased poverty levels in affected regions. Concerns around public health indicators in affected areas such as cancer incidence has increased the sense of insecurity among the population. This is compounded by a general lack of knowledge on how to life safely in conditions of low-dose radiation exposure, including how to navigate potential contamination of food which is particularly important in remote rural areas.

The overall goal of the programme is to comprehensively enhance human security in the Chernobyl-affected communities of the Stolin, Ĉaĉersk, Slaûharad, Brahin and Luniniec Districts. The key objectives of the programme are to: (i) strengthen economic security of vulnerable communities through innovative farming practices and improved access to markets; (ii) promote health-related good practices among pregnant women, new mothers, and their families; (iii) improve prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer; (iv) enhance radiation safety knowledge and skills among children and youth; (v) reduce the consumption of radioactively contaminated food at the community level.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary