Substantial funds are needed for the drought-stricken Horn of Africa.

by Zarah Mae B. Negado

Photo from CNA
            On May 24, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged countries to increase assistance for the Horn of Africa (HoA), which is experiencing the worst drought in generations. 

The drought crisis, exacerbated by climate change and conflict, is driving hunger deaths in Africa, and according to the UN, more than 43 million people in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya need help to save and sustain their lives. The Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan) has been experiencing the worst drought in forty years as of late 2020.

The UN estimates approximately $7 billion will be needed this year to support and aid those who are suffering from severe food insecurity as a result of an unprecedented drought brought on by failed rainy seasons. Almost halfway through this year, only 20% of the monies have been distributed, according to Guterres, and for more than 43 million people who are experiencing drought, these amounts are insufficient. Without an immediate and significant infusion of funds, emergency efforts will grind to a standstill, and people may probably die, Guterres emphasized for the donors. We can't hold Guterres responsible for the enormous number of people who have all but given up hope, particularly in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya; he is virtually desperate to raise enough money.

Last year,  famine in Somalia was averted by US-led international funding to scale up humanitarian aid. Nevertheless, the country still has suffered severely. The United Nations estimates that 43,000 people died, possibly due to the drought. The World Food Program continues to struggle this year after having to cut food aid to 3 million Somalis last month due to severe funding constraints. Without cash injections, further cuts would be required.  

Source from (2023, May 25). UN conference pledges $2.4 bn to head off Horn of Africa famine. Yahoo!News. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://news.yahoo.com/un-chief-calls-immediate-funding-165043865.htmlhttps://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/un-chief-calls-immediate-funding-horn-africa-3512286?guccounter=1 

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