Famine stalks East Africa and the horn







There is a high risk of famine in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen in 2017 because of armed conflict, drought and economic collapse.

It has the potential to be the worst famine in 70 years with more than 20 million people in the four countries at risk of starvation. Beyond the four, communities in Kenya and Ethiopia are in critical need of food aid if they are to survive.

Famine is when more than 30 percent of children under age five suffer from acute malnutrition and mortality rates are two or more deaths per 10,000 people every day, among other criteria. Without collective and coordinated action by the international community, many people will starve to death. Humanitarian aid is essential, but food is not enough. Conflict across all four countries has created the conditions for famine to spread. Peace is essential if this man-made famine is to be contained.

Caritas is working through the local Church or partner organisations across all four most severely affected countries, in their neighbouring countries were refugees have fled and in Kenya and Ethiopia where conditions are bleak. Caritas is providing food aid, including airdrops when access is limited, livelihoods, agricultural support, safe clean water and healthcare.

Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Michel Roy said, “Caritas and the Church are working with the people to ensure they have food, medicine and clean water. Humanitarian aid is crucial to save lives, but famine is a product of political failure. Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen have one thing in common: conflict. Only peace can guarantee millions of people facing hunger today.”

Conditions are difficult due to the conflict. Only political solutions will ultimately end human suffering and bring stability. Emergency assistance only helps if people can access it. All warring sides must provide access to humanitarian organisations. Otherwise people will die.

Pope Francis said, “At this time it’s more necessary than ever for everyone to not just stop with words, but to take concrete action so that food aid can reach suffering populations.”

“Want to help the people of East #Africa & The Horn? via @iamcaritas”

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