Starving kids

Millions of people in East Africa are experiencing chronic hunger and the threat of famine. Conflict, recurring severe drought, and high food prices are to blame. In addition, more than 800,000 people fled their homes due to violence in south Ethiopia in the first half of 2018.

Much of the region experienced some respite near the end of 2018 and has a somewhat positive early-2019 outlook, thanks in part to humanitarian aid efforts. But South Sudan is facing high levels of food insecurity in various parts of the country over the next few months. More than 22 million people in East Africa need help to secure their livelihoods and acquire adequate food.

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network predicts that below-average seasonal rainfall will cause an increase in food insecurity again in early 2019. Recurring East Africa droughts make it difficult for farmers and herders to produce crops and feed livestock. Children are the worst affected, with their health and development drastically impacted. World Vision staff in the region say about 14 million children in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia are struggling to get enough to eat.