UN conference pledges $2.4 billion to head off famine in Horn of Africa

UN conference pledges $2.4 billion to head off famine in Horn of Africa

UNITED NATIONS: A United Nations-backed conference has raised $2.4 billion to prevent famine in the Horn of Africa, which is reeling from its worst drought in decades as global temperatures rise. The money will provide life-saving assistance for nearly 32 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, the world body’s humanitarian agency OCHA said in a statement.

“Famine has been averted, thanks in part to the tremendous efforts of local communities, humanitarian organizations and authorities, as well as the support of donors,” OCHA said. But the sum is considerably less than the $7 billion the United Nations says is needs to provide help to people affected by drought and conflict in the region. “The emergency is far from over, and additional resources are urgently required to prevent a return to the worst-case scenario,” OCHA added.

Years of drought

Since late 2020, countries in the Horn of Africa – Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan – have been suffering the region’s worst drought in 40 years. Five failed rainy seasons have left millions of people in need, decimated crops and killed millions of livestock. More than 23.5 million people are enduring high levels of acute food insecurity in Ethiopia, Kenya and