It's easy to feel like you never have quite enough money coming in for all the things you want, or even the things you need. But if you're well-off enough to be reading this blog -- you have access to a computer with internet -- I'm betting (and hoping) you will never truly know what it means be truly starving. While Americans are busy struggling with chronic overeating and obesity, throwing away tons of spoiled or leftover food, and holding eating contests; 13 million people in the Horn of Africa are experiencing the horrific effects of famine. Every day, 1,600 starving Somali refugees pour into Kenya, and another 200 into Ethiopia.
CNN says The United Nations needs $2.5 billion to cope with the crisis. But so far, it has only received 48 percent of that figure. And the health sector is also an area of concern. During famine, people die of epidemic diseases like measles and malaria. If relief organizations don't also have the resources to support health-promotion and disease-prevention activities, then a lot of lives will be unnecessarily lost.
Charles Kenny calls this disaster a crime against humanity. In Foreign Policy he says:
Deprived of food long enough, the bodies of starving people break down muscle tissue to keep vital organs functioning. Diarrhea and skin rashes are common, as are fungal and other infections. As the stomach wastes away, the perception of hunger is reduced and lethargy sets in. Movement becomes immensely painful. Often it is dehydration that finally causes death, because the perception of thirst and a starving person's ability to get water are both radically diminished.Make a difference! Organizations and funds you can donate to (If you're worried about your money making it to where it will really matter, most of these organization's websites have information about the breakdown of where your donation money goes.):
The World Food Programme is appealing for $342 million to feed 11.3 million people in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. The organization plans to airlift high energy biscuits and nutritious supplementary foods to those most in need.
UNHCR has asked for $136.3 million and suggests donations such as $7, which provides therapeutic food for a malnourished child.
The British Red Cross and The Kenya Red Cross are both accepting funds online or through mail to first mitigate the crisis and then help people in the region restore their livelihoods.
Mercy Corps has helped deliver water to 16 Kenyan villages in the last few days, providing relief to almost 120,000 people. The organization is accepting donations to continue expanding its work.
Oxfam, in conjunction with Save The Children, is appealing for $144 million. Any amount is welcome, but the Oxfam site suggests $50 to provide 200 people a day's supply of clean water or $100 to feed a family of six more than two weeks.
The International Rescue Committee is accepting donations that will provide medical screenings, expand water-supply systems and offer help for pregnant women, among other efforts.
The ELCA World Hunger Relief is accepting donations to provide immediate aid to refugee camps in the Horn of Africa. 100 percent of donations used for regional relief, including filling a food distribution gap by providing enriched porridge to children/elderly who are too weak to eat dry food.
A donation to Action Aid will help deliver emergency supplies of food and water, and provide support, ensuring people don't become reliant on food aid.
The U.N. Children's Fund asks for help in assisting the more than 2 million children who are malnourished.
International Medical Corps' is accepting donations as it ships food and oil to four refugee camps. The Corps will also construct additional latrines and bathing areas.
--(Organization list taken from the Huffington Post's Impact section)
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