IRC teams report that hunger-related deaths have already begun to occur in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya;
By September, 20 million people will be undernourished throughout the region, with at least 3 million at risk of death due to emergency and catastrophic levels of hunger; 2011 saw 260,000 cases of hunger deaths, which is equal to 6.5 million US fatalities.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) today issued its first-ever Crisis Alert update to its annual Emergency Watchlist, warning that over 3 million people could perish without immediate international support as a devastating famine looms over East Africa.
The top nations most at danger of suffering a humanitarian crisis throughout the year are listed on IRC’s annual Watchlist. IRC is issuing a Crisis Alert update in light of the effects of the Ukraine War, which, along with the worsening effects of COVID-19, conflict, and climate change, have plunged East Africa into an anticipated crisis that has been dangerously neglected by the international community and is a prime example of the global “System Failure” emphasised in this year’s Watchlist.
The region’s hunger is becoming worse week by week and outpacing the few resources available after four consecutive unsuccessful rains.
The number of Somalians going hungry as a result of drought has nearly doubled since the beginning of the year.
In Kenya, the number of individuals facing famine conditions has risen.
In only one of the IRC’s nutrition clinics in Mogadishu, admissions for children under 5 with severe malnutrition increased by 265% from April to May.
People have already started dying from famine, according to IRC workers on the ground, and there isn’t much time left to stop mass killings.
Despite the pledge to “never again,” for a famine of catastrophic proportions to occur, the number of people globally experiencing extreme hunger has increased.
Additionally, with a sixth failed rain forecast, the drought in East Africa has now lasted for decades.
Up to 14 million people were impacted by the 2011 famine, which peaked at 30,000 deaths per month for a total of at least 260,000 fatalities.
With demographic adjustments, that would be equivalent to more than six COVID-19 pandemics, or 6.5 million deaths in the United States, including more than 3 million children under the age of five.
In light of this catastrophic situation, East Africa has struggled to garner the support and resources it so sorely needs.
While the international world has provided billions of dollars in aid for the response in Ukraine, it has not addressed the global repercussions, like increasing food and fuel prices.
East Africa has been particularly heavily struck because it imports 90% of its wheat from just Russia and Ukraine.
The additional US cash released this week is very appreciated, but even once it is used, the region’s humanitarian response plan would still be funded at 40% of the estimated demand.
Even with the fulfilment of fresh US money revealed this week, the region’s humanitarian response plan would still be funded at 40%.
The $1.9 billion plea for the humanitarian response in Ukraine was 85% funded after little over three months, showing that resources can be mobilised when there is political will.
There is nothing natural about famines in the twenty-first century, according to David Miliband, president and CEO of the IRC.
Extreme hunger is caused by a variety of circumstances, but famine and mass deaths are man-made and a result of international inaction.
This crisis was foreseen and avoidable.
After numerous warnings and escalating hunger, it has been developing for more than two years.
A catastrophic man-made tragedy is what we are currently experiencing.
“It’s a question of life or death every day that we do nothing.
East Africa’s current crisis serves as a metaphor for the international system’s failures in terms of leadership, response, and prevention.
“Humanitarian aid is severely underfunded, depriving millions of people of the support they require to survive.
Donors have been waiting for data collecting and death rates to substantiate what IRC is currently observing on the ground while famine alarm bells are blaring.
Instead of looking backward through the windshield, the international community should start responding right away with a “no regrets” attitude before it’s too late.
The new US financing that was revealed this week must just be a starting step.
Recommendations
Engage the humanitarian system – To stop the starvation in East Africa, the humanitarian response must be fully scaled up.
Rapid investments in tried-and-true strategies, such as financial assistance to meet the needs of communities experiencing food insecurity, should be made as part of the response in an effort to use lessons learned from earlier attempts to prevent famine.
Take a “no regrets” attitude toward finance.
Donors should provide full funding for all regional humanitarian efforts and support frontline NGOs directly so they can expand swiftly.
Organize resources for discussions on humanitarian access – Take action to reduce the impact of conflict on access to humanitarian aid and make sure it can reach those who need it most.
Identify and resolve issues with global trade caused by the conflict in Ukraine- To relieve the world’s grain shortages, explore all options for easing export restrictions and resuming exports from Ukraine, including lifting the embargo on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.