(March 17, 2017) –
MISSISSAUGA, ON - Today, World Vision Canada welcomed the Canadian government's commitment of $119.25 million to address the escalating food crises in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen. As a recipient NGO, World Vision Canada is eager to respond immediately.
World Vision has seen firsthand how this complex hunger crisis, driven by drought, conflict and poor governance has left 3.5 million children suffering from severe malnutrition in East Africa, along with 22 million people who are severely food insecure.
As we have learned from previous hunger-related crisis, responding early to children and families with reliable sources of food and water and appropriate healthcare helps save lives. World Vision is grateful for the Government of Canada's prompt release of emergency funding; however, this crisis will not come to an end in a matter of weeks and on the ground needs are constantly shifting. We therefore urge the government to work closely with implementing agencies to continually adapt programs to the changing needs in affected communities. Flexible use of funding is key to stopping the cycles of hunger.
QUOTES:
"Everyone in the humanitarian sector is on high alert and we don't want to see children dying again. We fear that this crisis could escalate rapidly putting massive demands on a global aid system already stretched to capacity. Amid historic surges in migrations, huge operations in Syria and more frequent climate-related natural disasters, Canada can show the way by responding quickly to help avert catastrophe and prevent this from reaching nightmarish proportions." – Jamie McIntosh, Vice President, Programs and Policy at World Vision Canada
"People across East Africa are on the move in search for food. In Somalia I spoke with mothers who abandoned their homes to find food for their babies – they are desperate for help. World Vision is already responding by providing emergency food, health care and other essential services but to prevent a full-scale famine, the time to act is now. Not only must we work to save lives, but we must also work to restore people's livelihoods. The cycle of devastation must stop." – Jamie McIntosh, Vice President, Programs and Policy at World Vision Canada
QUICK NUMBERS:
22 million are in need of direct food assistance in East Africa
8.8 million children are out of school due to the crisis
3.3 million are displaced across East Africa
HOW CANADIANS CAN HELP:
Canadians can donate to hunger relief in East Africa through World Vision Canada's website
here.