20m people from Nigeria, others risk starvation

It has been established that more than 20 million people residing in Northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen are at the risk of starvation just as 1.4 million children are at the risk of dying of acute malnutrition and diseases.

This was announced by the Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau.

According to him, this impending danger is as a result of severe drought and conflict faced daily by farmers from herdsmen which is militating against farming activities coupled by the harsh effect of climate change.

He pointed out that South Sudan is presently experiencing severe famine and unless immediate action is taken, other countries along that belt will experience the same unprecedented situation.

”Hunger is having a real impact on young children in particular as some 1.4 million are now at risk of dying of acute malnutrition and disease. Millions across the four affected countries and the neighbouring regions are in need of basic necessities such as urgent food assistance, water, sanitation services, health care, and shelter,” Bibeau stated.

However, Bibeau disclosed that the government of Canada is already responding to the situation and is mobilizing all Canadians for a positive response through the creation of the Famine Relief Fund.

“Over 20 million men, women and children are at risk of starvation if we do not act now. Canadians have always demonstrated great compassion when it comes to humanitarian crises. I encourage all Canadians to donate to the registered Canadian charities of their choice. Together, we can make a difference and bring relief to people who need urgent help.

“The Fund will support Canadian and international organizations currently hard at work providing assistance to those in need in the affected countries and neighbouring regions” Bibeau disclosed.

The Minister announced that for every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between March 17 and June 30, 2017, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Famine Relief Fund.