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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Horn of Africa: millions in hunger crisis due to catastrophic drought

The carcasses of even the hardiest animals such as camels are bleaching in the blazing sun across the Horn of Africa. People, often women and young girls that should have been in school, trek for many kilometres to the few wells that still provide water.

The Horn of Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia) is suffering what is described as the most severe drought in a generation. According to the United Nations, between 15 to 16 million people are already facing its consequences, a number expected to rise further.

These vulnerable communities experience the effects of major climate extremes, with increasingly recurrent floods and droughts. They are left at the mercy of irregular weather patterns, unable to recover from one shock before being hit by the next one.

Director for Africa in the EU’s Humanitarian Aid Operations, Ms Andrea Koulaimah, was in Somalia (Baidoa and Kismayo) and Kenya recently, to ascertain the effect of the drought and visit some of our projects.

In total, the EU has allocated over €62 million to support those communities in Kenya and Somalia facing the severe consequences of the drought.

Story by Mathias Eick, Regional Information Officer for East and Southern Africa, EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

Mother and nurse attending a child in a clinic
Millions of children are facing starvation and disease in Somalia. Drought is now compounding the effects of decades of conflict and extreme poverty. To help them, this EU-funded clinic gives treatment to malnourished children.
© IMC Somalia, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.
Mohamed Shaban with his uncle in Elberde camp surrounded by children
People in remote rural areas are particularly vulnerable. Enveloped by the blinding hot dust, Mohamed Shaban, (left) 70 years old, with his uncle in Elberde camp, are waiting for medical outreach team from the NGO Action Against Hunger (ACF).
© ACF Somalia, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.
Doctor measuring childs arm in the outside
A mobile outreach nurse is checking the malnourishment of a child. If the arm band shows “red”, then the child needs to receive urgent treatment.
© ACF Somalia, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.
Villagers on a square with visitors
Director Koulaimah was joined by EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger. They met villagers in northern Kenya benefitting from an EU-funded monthly cash grant and implemented by the Kenyan Cash Consortium (ACTED, OXFAM and local NGOs).
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Mathias Eick)
Villagers with aid workers sitting in a circle under a tree
These Turkana women in northern Kenya explained the effect of the drought and how EU cash assistance is helping them. They can now buy food or pay for their children’s education and other essential expenses.
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Mathias Eick)
Villagers welcoming visitors wiht a celebration
Even though this remote community in northern Kenya is facing many hardships caused by the drought, the visit by representatives of various organisations and the support given to their communities is a cause for celebration.
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Mathias Eick)
Director Andrea Koulaimah and main donors sitting at a table
Director Andrea Koulaimah met with the main donors in Somalia.
© European Union, 2022


Publication date: 26/04/2022

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