In conjunction wih the World environment Day -5th June , Pan Asia Pacific (Pesticide Action Network) launched a book  on Children And Pesticide…This is a manual on the harmful effects of pesticides on the health of our children ..Backed by facts and figures this is a wake up call for all of us especially in Cameron Highlands where children are living in a pesticide contaminated environment..The exposure of children who are very vulnerable starts early in the womb and continues through infancy and adulthood..From the air they breathe to the water they drink ..Even their homes which are often in or around farms are not safe..Also some children work and help their parents in farms and are therefore in direct contact with pesticides,inhaling these toxins which puts them at even greater risk ..The book launch in a school in Ringlet,Cameron Highlands. was very symbolic..We are in an area which is under serious threat from hazardous chemical pesticide use and abuse.By bringing attention to the magnanimity of the problem in Camerons we hope that there will be more awareness among the members of the community who will in turn take note and address the problem urgently…. ..We owe it to our children who are so vulnerable to provide them with a safe and clean environment so that they can develop and grow normally..

I had an opportunity to meet Ms Sarojini Dewi who is working with PAN Asia Pacific since 1985.. I was really impressed with the work of the organization in creating awareness on the horrors of pesticide abuse and her dedication to her work..

Continuing their good work the PAN- AP team was once again in Camerons ..This time headed by Ms Shiela Kaur on the 8th of September ..She did a presentation on Children and Pesticide..This time the venue was Tanah Rata..Once again the programme involved a lot of school children and members of the community..This was followed by a colouring contest and interactive games ..MS Shiela held her audience captive with the simple examples of pesticide abuse in daily life and how we can reduce this….

I just hope that before its too late both the district authorities and the local farming community can realize the gravity of the situation in Camerons . They should reduce their dependence on banned pesticides using only legitimate chemicals sparingly and move more towards good agriculture practices on their farms and slowly into creating a cleaner and better environment for our children and us..