Threatening 16 Million in Horn of Africa
Ethiopia hardest hit - World Vision
Launches International Appeal
Failure of rains in March, on top of sporadic and insufficient rainfall over the last two years, have brought millions of people in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Northern Kenya to the brink of famine.
A major international relief effort is needed in the next eight weeks to avert a famine which might surpass the devastation of the 1984-85 hunger crisis in the region which killed nearly a million people.
"If the international community pulls together now, we will save the lives of millions of children. We can not stand by and allow another generation of young Ethiopians to suffer like their parents and grandparents did," says Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada.
World Vision has been preparing over the last six months to respond to the needs of families displaced by drought and on-going border conflicts between Eritrea and Ethiopia. The conflict will likely hamper relief efforts as the use of vital ports and roads has been blocked.
World Vision has been working successfully in Ethiopia since 1971. The agency operates a $7 million relief and development program assisting about 575,000 people.
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Nigel Marsh, African Communication Director is available for interviews. Also, Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada is available for comment.
Contact: Brian Hatchell at 905-567-2715 or cell 416-568-4480, 1-800-268-5528