World Vision launches appeal for East Africa Crisis

12 July 2011

World Vision Ireland has launched an appeal to help people suffering from severe food shortages in East Africa.

The region has been hit by a severe drought, the worst in 60 years, wiping out cattle and crops.

At least 10 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and the newly-formed Republic of South Sudan are in desperate need of food, water and emergency healthcare.

Disaster

Helen Keogh, Chief Executive of World Vision Ireland said “Tens of thousands of people are leaving their homes to search for food and water. Many are arriving at refugee camps severely malnourished. We have to act now to save lives and prevent an even bigger disaster.”

More than 360,000 people have taken shelter at Dadaab, the world's biggest refugee camp near the Kenya-Somalia border, and there are fears that could soon swell to 500,000.

Somalia

Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee Somalia due to the drought and conflict.

Food prices have also skyrocketed across the region leaving many families unable to afford a daily meal.

''With the situation expected to worsen over the next 3 to 4 months, we’re asking people to please give what they can so we can help families through this crisis” added Helen Keogh.
 

 

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