March 16, 2017
More than 7 million people are at serious risk of starvation in Yemen, and millions more are severely malnourished in Somalia and South Sudan – chronic food insecurity across these nations has led to the grim reality that a huge number of people are at serious risk of dying of hunger.
All We Can and the World Church Relationships Team of the Methodist Church in Britain launched an urgent appeal three weeks ago to respond to this catastrophic situation.
Since then, the true extent of the need has been highlighted by the United Nations. Stephen O’Brien, UN Humanitarian Coordinator, defined the current situation as a “critical point in history”.
A collective response
The collective action of individuals and churches has already been inspiring, with more than £100,000 given in response to the East Africa Famine Appeal. And with millions facing starvation across East Africa and the wider region, communities have risen to the challenge.
The Revd Gail Hunt of Gracious Street Methodist Church in Yorkshire said: “We may be here in Knaresborough, but we are one human family. We wanted to respond because we have all been aware of what has happened in the past, we have all seen those horrific images on our television screens.”
For many, the response to this appeal has been deeply heartfelt. Sister Eluned Williams MBE, a former Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, said: “I cannot imagine what it is like not to know where tomorrow’s food is coming from. It is just so horrendous and the very dignity of people is stripped away. What I can give might only be a little, but if many give a little then I hope lots of people who are in great need will be helped.”
Reaching the most vulnerable
The funds already raised for the appeal will be used across a number of countries including Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan.
In Yemen, life-saving food will be distributed by All We Can’s local partner to some of the most vulnerable families. In South Sudan and Somalia, All We Can’s partner has already begun providing nutritional support for the most malnourished victims of the food crisis. In South Sudan, it is responding in one of the regions flagged by the United Nations as most severely affected by the famine.
In Somalia, money already raised will be supporting 16,000 people to access nutritional supplements. In 2011, more than 260,000 people died as a result of famine – approximately half were children under the age of five.
The need is vast – and The Methodist Church in Britain continue to urge people to respond quickly, generously, and collectively to this catastrophic situation by supporting the appeal being managed by All We Can.
£10 could provide life-saving nutrition for an acutely malnourished child.
£15 could provide a vulnerable individual with food aid.
£90 could assist 80 families with treatment and support to prevent diseases linked with malnutrition and famine.
To support the East Africa Famine Appeal visit www.awcdev.us/famine
Image: Baby Asha was severely malnourished and crying when she was first brought in to the health facility run by All We Can’s partner in Somalia. ©Medair
