Somalia's children decimated by hunger

August 22, 2011

A Caritas International report estimates that "every 11 weeks, 10% of the under-5 population in Somalia is dying" because of a famine.

Caritas, the international Catholic charitable consortium, is rushing aid to Somali refugees living in camps in neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia. The organization is also working with local groups to provide food for some communities inside Somalia, despite the hostility of local leaders there.

With disease now taking a heavy toll in the refugee camps--because of the weakened condition of the residents and the lack of adequate sanitation--relief agencies face an acute need for medicine, water, and shelter as well as food.

 

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Further information:

• "Every 11 weeks, ten percent of the under-5 population in Somalia is dying" (Fides)