Responding in East Africa

 

As the first major drought and famine of the 21st century threatens 11.6 million people in the Horn of Africa, Week of Compassion has responded, utilizing our relationships with trusted partners Church World Service and the ACT Alliance.

As you have likely noticed in scant media coverage of the region, the drought situation in the Horn has reached crisis levels. According to USAID, some 2.85 million people currently require humanitarian assistance in Somalia. Unprecedented numbers of Somalis are crossing borders into neighboring countries. In June alone, more than 55,000 people fled across the borders into Ethiopia and Kenya–three times the number of the preceding months. Thousands of people are taking huge risks every day to walk hundreds of miles, hoping to reach the safety of refugee camps and feeding centers. They are being forced to make appalling choices, including leaving weak and disabled loved ones on the road to certain death. Famine is expected to be declared throughout the entire southern Somalia region within days.

CWS and ACT Alliance implementing partners Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) are taking the lead in our shared response in the region. NCA’s work is featured in this video.

Your generosity makes our response possible. In the midst of tragedy, we give thanks not only for the ecumenical relationships that make such responses possible, but also for your support and partnership. These efforts to bring relief and offer long-term solutions to those suffering are a testament to your hope and generosity. If you wish to reach out in Courageous Compassion, please consider contributing here. For more reports from East Africa, please follow this link.

This Week's Responses
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance

New Zealand, earthquake

New Hampshire, resettled refugee assistance

South Korea, mudslides

North Carolina, church fire

Long-Term Recovery and Rehabilitation

China, water project