Famine Over But More Hard Work Ahead

While a decision by the United Nations to declare an end to the famine in parts of Somalia is good news, World Vision warns the humanitarian crisis is far from over.

“All it means is that less than 30 per cent of the population is now suffering from acute malnutrition” says the aid agency’s humanitarian and emergency affairs manager Ian McInnes, enroute home from East Africa.

“We’re pleased to note that improved harvests and an increase in international aid have led to an improvement in Somalia, but there are still around two-million people facing serious food shortages” explains McInnes. “They will continue to need our support for the foreseeable future”.

McInnes adds the causes of the famine: drought and the on-going military conflict are far from over.

“Somalia is still incredibly fragile. Famine could be re-declared if this year’s rainy season in August, fails to meet expectations. In addition, political turmoil continues to prevent aid agencies from reaching the most vulnerable people”.

Famine was officially declared in six regions of Somalia in July last year. World Vision’s emergency response began five months prior. Since that time the aid agency has assisted more than two-million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania by providing food, water, health-care, shelter and supplementary feed for livestock.

“Not one sponsored or registered child in our care died during the famine” says McInnes “That’s a credit to our aid workers on the ground and our incredible supporters in New Zealand and elsewhere”.

World Vision is continuing to implement long-term development programmes throughout East Africa aimed at improving community resilience to drought. Measures include educating local people about crops and livestock best suited to arid conditions and providing improved clean water sources.

To find out more about World Vision’s long-term development work visit www.worldvision.org.nz

ENDS

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