UN launches aid appeal to stem starvation facing millions in Horn of Africa
Responding to widespread losses of staple crops in countries of the Horn of Africa, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today launched an urgent appeal to provide emergency relief aid to the region, where more than 12 million people are threatened with starvation in the coming months.
Responding to widespread losses of staple crops in countries of the Horn of Africa, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today launched an urgent appeal to provide emergency relief aid to the region, where more than 12 million people are threatened with starvation in the coming months.
WFP Executive Director James Morris said over 2 million people in Eritrea, or about 60 per cent of the country’s population, will be affected by drought, while about 10 million people will need food aid in neighbouring Ethiopia.
He also warned that if the October rains stop suddenly, up to 14 million Ethiopians will require urgent assistance.
“These figures are large and dramatic and the international community should take notice,” Mr. Morris said. “If donors respond quickly, we can help avoid an immense human tragedy there.”
He said that without immediate help, a “devastating wave of human suffering and death” could come as early as next year.