More than 12 million people are at risk in what is now called the worst famine to hit Africa in the past 60 years - and according to the United Nations, the famine has yet to reach its peak. Although these numbers are shocking, this is old news to the Somalis, Kenyans and Ethiopians who have been struggling to make ends meet in the region for many years.
Malnutrition, starvation and severe cases of life-threatening water-borne and infectious diseases are the result of the drought. Because some of these populations are already vulnerable, there is a cause for greater concern. Diarrhea is one of the most prominent causes of death because of the lack of clean water, proper sanitation and crowded urban environments. The drought is especially fatal for those who are already ill or malnourished because of severe dehydration. A cholera epidemic was also recently announced. These overcrowded conditions and refugee camps are the prime location for transmission.
Along with these diseases, people already diagnosed and living with HIV and tuberculosis face several problems. They are in need of nutritional support for their treatment to be effective. As people migrate to escape the famine and move away from regular health facilities, it may become difficult to continue treatment. Other less obvious problems have also arisen: Children are dropping out of school to join their parents in the search for food, and girls are often the first. Many young women turn to sex work as a way to survive.
This humanitarian crisis is quite complex - food shortages and skyrocketing food prices contribute to a prolonged drought which is exacerbated by political instability and the people's vulnerability. However, the events unfolding in the "Horn of Africa" are rapidly getting worse. One concern is the amount of attention the crisis is getting, given the significance of the problem.
"I feel like it's our responsibility as members of the University community to give thought and compassion to those not as privileged as we are," said Matin Mohammed, president of the University's United Nation's Children Fund chapter. "As members of the greater global community, it is important to keep yourself well informed and perhaps support groups that provide long-term solutions rather than just reactive measures."
Experts say about 400,000 children could die through starvation and malnutrition if urgent action is not taken to help the people of this region. Already, 29,500 children younger than age 5 have lost their lives in Somalia and the number will continue to rise. This has especially concerned international aid agencies which focus on children's rights and health, such as UNICEF and Save the Children. For example, UNICEF is currently providing a form of therapeutic food, which is designed to be cost-effective in countering starvation. With a $10 donation, they are able to feed a child 10 days' worth of food.
Mohammed urged University students to take initiative and try to organize fundraisers or other events to spread awareness of the crisis.
Other University community members including faculty and staff who are involved or interested in global health have already been following this famine closely.
Assoc. Nursing Prof. Sarah Farrell is currently conducting research on the use of emerging technologies to improve access to rural health care. She pointed to the initiative "SMS for Life" as an example of the effective use of information technology. "Basically this project used mobile telephones: SMS messaging and electronic mapping to eliminate stock-outs," she explained. "As a public-private partnership, these are the kind of projects we need to get the supplies to the clinics and thus to the people who need them."
Although the ongoing situation is half a world away, it is necessary to reflect on it and give our thoughts to those affected. You do not have to donate hundreds of dollars or go on a service trip. One of the easiest ways to make a difference is by educating and talking to others about the drought and famine. It's the best start.
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