1.6 Million Young Children at Risk in the Horn of Africa

Some 16 million nomadic pastoralists have eked out an existence in the borderlands between Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. However, increasingly severe drought has ravaged the area over the past few years, making the fight for survival increasingly desperate.

The situation reached crisis proportions this year, with some 8 million pastoralists seriously affected and in need of assistance, including 1.6 million children under five. The spring rains, when they finally came, actually worsened the crisis in many areas, killing more livestock, polluting scarce water sources, contributing to the spread of malaria and other diseases and washing away young crops.

African American Self-Help Foundation sent emergency supplies to Eastern Africa in June but additional relief is desperately needed. According to the UN, some 40,000 children are currently so malnourished that, without significant intervention, they are likely to die before winter.

Twenty dollars ($20) per month can save an at-risk child from starvation or permanent retardation. This includes high-nutrition supplements in addition to basic survival rations.

To be taken to our secure on-line giving page, please click here. >>