Scores of people across the Sahel remain in grave danger as the ongoing food crisis unfolds, but where there is support there is hope.
More than 18 million people are in danger across nine West African countries including Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Chad, northern Nigeria and northern Cameroon.
Poor rains and rising food prices have combined to keep food out of reach of the most vulnerable, placing more than a million children in danger of severe acute malnutrition – a life threatening condition which could have lifelong effects on their health and cause death.
“There are millions more children, lactating women and elderly who are vulnerable and in need of immediate assistance,” Caritas Australia CEO, Jack de Groot, said.
“This is a situation that has been developing over months and the international Caritas network has been doing all it can to reach as many people as possible,” he said.
“Where we have been able to work with local communities on an effective agricultural response they have been able to plant and harvest drought resistant seeds, access clean water, receive medical support and engage in cash for work programs that contribute directly to food production.”
“But the magnitude of the West Africa crisis means there is still an enormous unmet need and we humbly ask for the support of the Australian Catholic community.
Caritas Australia is supporting programs making a real impact in Niger, Burkina Faso, war-torn Mali and Chad.
In Niger an estimated 5.5 million are in danger including refugees who have fled conflict in Mali. The international Caritas network has been working with more than 76,000 of the most vulnerable households; supplying food, drought-resistant seeds to farming families, water and sanitation and temporary shelter.
In Burkina Faso at least 1.7 million people are affected. Caritas is working to improve the food security of about 45,000 people in 10 dioceses. This includes access to food for 7,036 poor and vulnerable households and for 21,500 children; as well as medical care, nutrition and support for the agro-pastoral production of vulnerable households.
For donations and more information, got to our West Africa Food Crisis Appeal page, or phone 1800 024 413.
Media contact Ryan Heffernan – 0408 869 833 or ryanh@caritas.org.au