Millions of children and families across the Horn of Africa are struggling to survive. Crops aren’t growing. Livestock is dying. And the price of staple foods is skyrocketing. Hunger and malnutrition have gained a deadly foothold. The drought is spreading rapidly throughout Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. Nearly 13.5 million people –mostly women and children—remain at risk. Even worse, it’s predicted to last well into 2012.

Hunger is an ongoing issue around the world. But despite recent food shortages, no country has experienced a true famine since the 1980s.

Now that’s changed: the first famine in 25 years has been declared in the Horn of Africa.

What’s more, the drought that caused this famine is affecting many neighboring countries representing the worst this region has seen in 60 years, and it’s not going away.

The facts:

  • In Somalia, the decline in crop availability increased food and water prices to between, 200 and 300 percent, worsening chronic food insecurity.
  • Ethiopia has been facing a worsening food security trend in the last three decades. Currently, 4.6 million Ethiopians are in need of humanitarian assistance.
  • The arrival of Somali refugees into Kenya only furthered the humanitarian crisis. In August, an average of 1,300 Somali refugees arrived at Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp every day.
  • One in two children who arrive at Dadaab is malnourished, and many die during the journey.

Funds raised through the 30 Hour Famine help World Vision fight hunger and poverty around the world. Right now, 30 Hour Famine funds are at work in drought-stricken communities across the Horn of Africa. Here's a snapshot of how World Vision is fighting hunger in drought-affected countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia:

  • Equipping families to grow fresh crops and raise healthy livestock
  • Providing therapeutic and supplementary food for malnourished children and pregnant women
  • Teaching mothers and caregivers about proper nutrition and health
  • Improving access to clean water
  • Helping vulnerable children access critical medical support
  • Promoting improved sanitation and hygiene

Designate your Famine funds to Horn of Africa
Warning! Once you have selected a designation, you cannot change it. Also, you need to be signed-in to save your settings. Click to accept these conditions and designate your Famine funds.

Accept
Decline

Find out about other hunger hotspots.