(May 29, 2017) –
World Vision Canada commends Canadian Government on establishing Famine Relief Fund
MISSISSAUGA, ON – World Vision Canada commends the Canadian Government for establishing a Famine Relief Fund to help those impacted by the hunger crisis. World Vision Canada joined other aid organizations in urging the Federal Government to match private donations for humanitarian efforts in South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The world is facing the largest humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II. Famine has already been declared in one region of South Sudan while Somalia is on the brink, with children and families in surrounding countries facing severe hunger. Drought, violence and political instability mean more than 20 million people in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen are in need of immediate assistance; when other severely affected countries are included that number rises to 34 million.
QUOTE:
“An alarming funding gap is hindering the efforts of humanitarian aid organizations and we need more support to help those impacted by the hunger crisis. At World Vision, we are especially concerned about the children. Our teams have shared heartbreaking stories of death and despair as they work day and night to respond to the needs on the ground. Right now, more than 4 million children are at risk of starvation in East and West Africa.
This new Famine Relief Fund comes at a crucial moment. There’s still an opportunity to pull millions of people back from the brink of starvation. We’re encouraged because Canadians are more likely to donate when they know their generosity will be doubled by this government match program. However, an evolving crisis of this scale still needs more robust financial commitments from Canada that are timely, flexible and transparent.”
-Jamie McIntosh, Vice President, Programs & Policy, World Vision Canada
FAST FACTS on the Hunger Crisis
- 20+ million people at risk across of starvation in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen
- 10 million children are out of school due to the crisis
- 5.7 million displaced by conflict or the search for food across East and West Africa
- A combination of conflict, drought, climate change, poor leadership and inflation has made food inaccessible for millions of people across Africa