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Christian humanitarian organization World Concern is responding to the worst drought in the Horn of Africa in more than 60 years. An estimated 10 million people are affected in Northeastern Kenya, Somalia and Eastern Ethiopia. Aid agencies are preparing for what will likely be the first official famine since 1984-85, when one million people died in Ethiopia and Sudan.
World Concern has worked in the region for many years, developing communities by establishing clean water sources, schools, providing agricultural assistance and more. But several consecutive seasons of failed rains, combined with skyrocketing food prices, conflict, and limited humanitarian access, have added to the crisis.
“The current situation has been looming for some time; predications and scenarios spoken of three months ago are now, sadly, coming to fruition,” said World Concern Senior Director of Disaster Response and Security Nick Archer, who has been closely monitoring the crisis.
The forecast is bleak. August is expected to be dry. About 1,300 people a day are crossing the border from Somalia into Kenya, landing in ill-equipped, over-crowded refugee camps. The largest camp complex is now home to nearly 400,000 people.
World Concern’s expertise in Eastern Kenya near the coast specifically deals with sanitation and clean water systems, tailored to the unique needs of communities. In addition to these initiatives, World Concern is expanding its response to provide life-saving emergency water and food assistance.
To learn more or donate, visit: www.worldconcern.org/crisis
