July 29, 2005: New York. In response to the ongoing crisis in Niger, the international aid organization Action Against Hunger/ACF has begun distributing 3000 tons of food to 153,000 people. The organization has also begun treating 27,000 malnourished children in the area, and plans to increase its response by opening additional centers to treat children suffering from severe malnutrition.
The distributions, in the Maradi and Dakoro areas of Niger, follow Action Against Hunger's rapid assessment of the needs of the population. The organization will also begin distributing food in the Tahou region of Nigernext week. Cathy Skoula, the executive director of Action Against Hunger's USbranch stated, "The situation in Nigeris complex, requiring both immediate responses to save lives today and longer-term activities to save lives tomorrow." The food being distributed includes cereals, beans, and oil, some of which was supplied by the aid agency Réunir.
The crisis is also spreading to the north of the country where many Nigeriens have been fleeing in an attempt to escape the ongoing crisis-putting a strain on local resources and endangering both the local and displaced populations. In an effort to avoid a crisis in this area, Action Against Hunger is increasing support to its existing programs with additional food, medical supplies, and staff.
Action Against Hunger has also opened feeding centers in Mali, which is suffering from the same crisis as Niger.
For the past ten years, Action Against Hunger has been present in both Maliand Niger. Both countries are chronically underdeveloped and greatly in need of long-term assistance. As a result, Action Against Hunger will implement programs focusing on food security and economic rehabilitation in the next month, and, in an attempt to boost the local economy, has been purchasing as much of its food aid as possible from local markets.
Action Against Hunger is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-religious organization providing immediate assistance and long-term relief to children, women, and men suffering from the consequences of man-made and natural disasters. Action Against Hunger has been a world leader in the treatment of malnutrition since 1979, and has programs in over 44 countries around the world focusing on nutrition, food security, water/sanitation, and basic health.
Contact:
John Sauer, Communications Manager, Action
Against Hunger.
Phone: (212) 967-7800, ext. 103
Fax: (212) 967-5480
Email: jws@aah-usa.org
Action Against Hunger
247 West 37th Street, Suite 1201
Phone: (212) 967-7800
Fax: (212) 967-5480