World Vision launches massive funding appeal to avert a children’s hunger crisis in East Africa

Nairobi Kenya--Twenty-two million people – half of them children – across East Africa who are facing a humanitarian hunger crisis that could result in the deaths of thousands of children if action is delay.

To respond to the needs of those facing hunger across East Africa, World Vision is appealing for $92 million (USD) to address the rapidly deteriorating crisis that is a result of a deadly mix of drought, conflict, economic shocks and migration.

Famine is already gripping parts of South Sudan, while areas of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are on the brink of a catastrophe.  The situation for children and their families is alarming and urgent action by Governments and Humanitarian Agencies is needed. World Vision’s interventions will address the most acute needs in an attempt to save lives, with a particular focus on children.

World Vision is providing emergency food rations and highly nutritious supplements for children with malnutrition; ensuring children have access to their most basic needs. This is only possible in areas where we have the ability to reach communities safely.  Many more affected communities are unreachable due to insecurity within some of our response areas.

In South Sudan, where famine has already hit hard, the numbers of those needing life-saving assistance is now at more than 50% of the population. In Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia many communities are facing the most devastating drought in more than a decade, with more than 15 million people in these countries without a consistent daily meal.

World Vision is already on the ground responding to the immediate needs of affected communities in all four countries. “The window of opportunity to avert a hunger crisis is rapidly closing. We can make a difference if Governments, international donors and humanitarian actors act swiftly to meet the needs of affected communities and keep children, women and their families alive,” says Margaret Schuler, the Vice President of World Vision in East Africa Region.  

The needs are great and a slow reaction will likely see millions more affected by this crisis over the next six months.