Drought; Famine Follows

Millions of people still face starvation in the months ahead!

EAST AFRICA - The eastern-most region of the African continent known as the Horn of Africa has been facing a humanitarian crisis due to a severe drought since the early part of 2000. Those most at risk are men, women and children -- particularly the elderly and very young -- in southern and eastern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and southern Somalia.

The drought has devastated crops and killed livestock -- resulting in a dramatic increase in food prices. The United Nations reports that as of last fall 6,500,000 people were being affected in Ethiopia, -- 4,400,000 people in Kenya -- and 750,000 people in Somalia. Those groups providing emergency aid, such as the Missionaries of Africa, are becoming increasingly concerned that food shortages in the region have become critical, and emergency supplies could run out in the months ahead.

"A crisis of this magnitude has been building for some time," explains Fr. Richard Roy, director of the Missionaries' Washington, DC office. "While rain has fallen in some parts of the region, those areas being hit hardest have not seen any measurable rainfall in years. That's why a few days or even a week of rain, cannot undo the immense crisis these poor people are facing."

"Those working in the region have seen it coming," Fr. Roy continues. That's why we have been asking for help for them so often during the last couple of years. But now the situation has gone from very bad to horrible! Millions of people will be facing starvation in the months ahead! I am praying that people here in the United States and elsewhere will respond to our emergency appeal for food."

The Missionaries of Africa are currently helping to provide food, water and other forms of aid throughout East Africa. To help the missionaries continue providing this vital emergency relief assistance, call their Washington, DC office at (202) 232 - 5995 or send a tax-deductible donation using the Help Us Help Them section of this Web-site.

As widespread drought continues, famine follows!

EAST AFRICA - What has been described by many as the "worst drought in living memory" now threatens to claim the lives of millions unless food, medicine, and other forms of relief can reach those most at risk. Throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, millions of poverty- stricken residents are struggling to hang on to life.

In countries like Kenya and Malawi, some experts fear that -- without immediate aid -- the future may be little more than a time of death and mourning. "As many as 4.4 million people will require food aid in Kenya until the end of the year," cites a recent report by one news agency.

In recent months, parts of Kenya seemed to have been recovering from the devastating drought, but food shortages in the north and east are still causing serious problems. "Even if the current rainy season is good, there are not enough food supplies to feed all of those in need through the end of the year," the report concluded. Of particular concern is the still unacceptably high rate of malnutrition among children in parts of northern Kenya.

However, the food crisis is most severe in Malawi, where hundreds of people have reportedly died in recent months. Relief workers are warning that 70% of Malawi's 10 million people are at risk of starvation. Some workers say that hundreds of people have already died of hunger within the last few months. "People are trying to find food wherever they can -- however they can," one official noted. "If that means selling the few possessions they have -- such as clothing or cooking utensils -- they will do it. These are desperate times for millions of people!"

"Think about how hungry we get when we skip just one meal," explains Missionaries of Africa director, Fr. Richard Roy. "Now consider how the people in Africa feel after not having eaten anything substantial in days or weeks. They are begging for anything to eat. They are hoping we will reach out to them," he continues. "So many of us here in the U.S. have more than enough food. Imagine if every American family just sent $25 or $30 to help with the relief effort -- the cost of a nice dinner out -- how many millions of lives would be saved! I'm praying we can do that."

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