Over 11 million people are at risk of starvation in East Africa, prompting the United Nations to declare a famine in parts of Southern Somalia on Wednesday. An estimated one in 10 children at risk, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
While east Africa is experiencing the worst drought in 60 years, Somalia is one of the hardest hit countries, due to decades of conflict. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis have fled to neighboring countries of Kenya and Ethiopia, placing them at greatest risk of death due to malnutrition either during the journey or very shortly after arrival at refugee camps.
On Wednesday, the U.S. has pledged $28 million in aid while U.N. agencies have asked for $1.6 billion to help address this crisis. They've only received half that amount to date.
Interested in helping? Consider supporting one of these non-profit organizations listed below:
- Catholic Relief Services are on the ground determining the level of food, water and sanitation needs. Visit their website or call 1-800-736-3467 to make a donation.
- International Medical Corps has teams on the ground in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya to provide food, water, hygiene, sanitation and mental health services to people in refugee camps. Visit the website or text "AFRICA" to 80888 to donate $10 to the group's drought relief response.
- The International Rescue Committee is giving cash and other assistance to families. Visit the website to make a donation.
- Save the Children has launched a major humanitarian response in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia feeding underweight children, providing life-saving medical treatment, and getting clean water to remote communities. Visit the website or text "SURVIVE" to 20222 to donate $10 from the United States.
- UNICEF is asking for $31.8 million over the next three months for relief efforts. Text "FOOD" to 864233 to donate $10 or visit the website.
- The United Nations World Food Programme has plans to airlift high energy biscuits and highly nutritious supplementary foods for children and pregnant or nursing mothers into southern Somalia. Donations can be made online or via text. -- text "AID" to 27722; to donate $10 from the U.S.
- World Vision is working to regain safe humanitarian access in south central Somalia where millions of children are in urgent need of food and assistance. To donate to relief efforts, visit the website or call 1-888-56-CHILD.
READERS: Did we miss a way to help? Let us know in the comment section below.
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