Global hunger crisis escalating in severity
Global Hunger Crisis escalating in severity
Climate change, armed conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardship have resulted in hunger crises in countries around the world, with Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia among the hardest hit.
“Some 22 million people in the Horn of Africa are in the clutches of starvation due to such compounding crises as drought, flooding, COVID-19’s economic effects, conflict – even desert locusts,” says Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross. “Behind the staggeringly high numbers are real people – men, women and children battling death-level hunger every day.”
What’s happening in the Horn of Africa?
The worst drought in 40 years, worsened by climate change, has left lands bone dry. Crops can’t grow, livestock are dying and water is increasingly hard to find.
The Ukraine crisis has contributed to a sharp increase in grain prices in Africa, due to the slump in exports from Ukraine and Russia.
In one year, food prices in Somalia have risen by 120%, in Kenya by 111%, and in Ethiopia by 94%.
Communities are having to leave their homes in search of food security and greener pastures for livestock.
The situation is likely to worsen in coming months.
For more from our partners on the ground see: IFRC Press Release.
With other conflicts and disasters dominating our headlines, this Global Hunger Crisis is not getting the attention it needs. We understand that crises like this can feel overwhelming and it can be hard to know how to help.
But with your donations and our expert support on the ground, together we can save lives.
How is Red Cross helping?
Special report from the Hunger Crisis in Africa. Video: IFRC
To date, staff and volunteers from Somali Red Crescent, Ethiopian Red Cross and Kenya Red Cross have collectively reached more than 704,000 people affected by the drought across the Horn of Africa, connecting them with health care and providing them with cash assistance, as well as water, sanitation, hygiene, and livelihood assistance.
“A massive scale up is required to offer life-saving assistance to millions of people struggling to find the food they need,” said Australian Red Cross Director of International Programs, Alex Mathieson. “The Movement’s response is also focusing on addressing the underlying causes of the crisis through longer term programs to improve the resilience of the most impoverished communities and displaced populations.”
Your donation to the Global Hunger Crisis Appeal will help provide emergency assistance for people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia who are facing devastating hunger.