Drought in Horn of Africa
Across the Horn of Africa, millions of people are suffering the consequences of what is being called the worst drought in 60 years. More than two million young children are malnourished in drought-affected Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, half a million of whom require immediate lifesaving attention to survive.
High food prices, prolonged drought, and conflict in Somalia are worsening an already dire situation for countless families in need of food and water. Erratic and insufficient rainfall trends throughout the region have led to reduced water supplies, disappearing arable land and severe food insecurity in a number of areas.
UNICEF needs the support of you and your club in order to reach those affected by the crisis and to ensure that disasters like this can be averted in the future. Consider taking these actions with your club in order to lend your support:
- Count your water usage using this tool. Once you have established how much water you require on a daily basis, post that amount on social media outlets and assess the impact that a severe water shortage or drought would have on your daily needs.
- Create your own fundraising event for the Horn of Africa Drought. Complete our online Fundraiser Application.
- Raise awareness using social media. Talk about the issues that impact children and families and UNICEF's action in the Horn of Africa Drought through social media. You can follow UNICEFUSA on Facebook, Twitter, TeacherTube, and our FieldNotes blog. Repost or retweet this up-to-date information on your group pages, individual profiles, blogs, and Twitter accounts.
- Use the TeachUNICEF.org "Emergency" resources to educate your community about natural disasters and emergencies.
- Are you interested in water, sanitation and climate change issues? Just $1 can provide a child with 40 days-worth of clean water. Join the growing movement UNICEF Tap Project volunteers who are engaging their communities around these issues.
- Visit the UNICEF USA Youtube Channel for up-to-date video clips about the Horn of Africa Emergency.
