"The worst humanitarian situation
in the world today."
in the world today."
Antonio Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
at a glance:
The United Nations and the G-20 have described the drought as being the worst in 60 years
500,000 children in the Horn of Africa are at imminent risk of death due to malnutrition
UNICEF estimates one child dies every six minutes in some regions of Somalia
Nov 2011 rains came - hope for a good harvest next year
The 2011 drought in the Horn of Africa is unfolding as catastrophic, being referred to as both historic and Biblical in proportion. Acute malnutrition and mortality have surpassed famine thresholds. Coupled with existing conflict the drought has completely devastated the region.
500,000 children in the Horn of Africa are at imminent risk of death due to malnutrition
People fleeing the drought arrive in Kenya at the rate of 7,000 per week. 80% are women and children. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya has a capacity for 90,000, but now has a population of more than 450,000
UNICEF estimates one child dies every six minutes in some regions of Somalia
Nov 2011 rains came - hope for a good harvest next year
The 2011 drought in the Horn of Africa is unfolding as catastrophic, being referred to as both historic and Biblical in proportion. Acute malnutrition and mortality have surpassed famine thresholds. Coupled with existing conflict the drought has completely devastated the region.
People are in crisis, traveling on foot in search of water, food and shelter. Many are not surviving the harsh journey, which can take weeks. Child deaths are alarmingly high. One feeding center for children was likened to “a vision of hell.”
A massive response is critical to avoid total livelihood/social collapse. Refugee camps in Kenya are the world's largest, with nearly half a million people in one camp alone, making it more like a city than a camp. Even with the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, few people grasp the urgent and catastrophic nature of this crisis. The humanitarian response is inadequate to meet emergency needs. Disease and malnutrition continue to grow. In frustration an aid worker stated, "…what is the point of warning the rest of world when it doesn't listen?"
In an effort to not turn away, we wish to provide a voice of compassion for the people in crisis, and aid for the unimaginable hardship and loss of life, home, and food security. With your purchase of this album you have joined a community helping to bring not only food and water into this desperate situation, but hope.
