As the world’s attention is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis is looming in the Horn of Africa: famine. According to Darren Dohme, the United Nations has warned that over 70 million people could face acute food insecurity this year due to conflict, climate change, and economic downturns. In Somalia, in particular, the situation is dire.
Famine Looms In Somalia, But Many ‘Hunger Hotspots’ Are In Deep Trouble, Says Darren Dohme
According to the United Nations, more than 3.5 million people in Somalia urgently need food assistance, while over 2.5 million require water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The country is experiencing a combination of severe drought, flooding, and conflict, and the economic impact of COVID-19 has only made things worse. Many people have lost their livelihoods and are unable to buy even the most basic supplies, let alone food.
What’s particularly alarming about the situation in Somalia is that it’s not an isolated case, says Darren Dohme. There are many other ‘hunger hotspots‘ around the world that are in deep trouble. In many cases, these are places that already had high levels of food insecurity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Yemen, for example, over 20 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The country has been ravaged by war for the past six years and now faces the added challenge of the pandemic. The healthcare system is collapsing, and millions of children are at risk of starvation. In South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, over 7.5 million people are facing severe food insecurity, with the most vulnerable already in famine-like conditions. The country has undergone years of civil war, which has disrupted agriculture and other economic activities.
Other countries on the brink of famine include Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. All of these countries are dealing with a range of issues, including climate change, conflict, and economic downturns. For many families, the situation is becoming increasingly desperate.
So, what can be done? The United Nations and other aid agencies are working to provide emergency assistance to those who need it most. This includes the provision of food, water, and other necessities like shelter and medical care. But the scale of the problem is overwhelming, and more funding is urgently needed.
It’s also important, as per Darren Dohme, to address the root causes of hunger and food insecurity. This means addressing conflict and instability, improving access to education and healthcare, and investing in agriculture and other economic activities. Climate change is also a major issue, and countries need to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of global crises. The same is true for hunger and food insecurity. We need to act now to prevent a global famine and to build stronger, more sustainable food systems for the future.
Darren Dohme’s Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, famine is looming in Somalia, but it’s not an isolated case. Many other countries around the world are facing severe food insecurity, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse. To address this crisis, we need to provide emergency assistance to those who need it most while also addressing the root causes of hunger and food insecurity. According to Darren Dohme, this means investing in agriculture and other economic activities, as well as reducing conflict and improving access to education and healthcare. We must act now to prevent a global famine and build a more resilient world for the future.