Facing the lowest level of rainfall in more than half of a century, the continuing drought in the Eastern Horn of Africa is causing death, famine and suffering in areas of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia as well as other countries in the region. Week of Compassion (WoC) is responding to this growing crisis through its partners Church World Service (CWS) and the ACT Alliance. CWS and the ACT Alliance are working on immediate relief and longer-term food security/nutrition and water initiatives.
Thousands of Somalis are fleeing the drought conditions to Kenya. Week of Compassion is focusing on contributing to the efforts in Somalia by fellow members of the ACT Alliance: Lutheran World Federation and Norwegian Church Aid. A famine is declared when acute rates of malnutrition exceed 30 percent among children; when more than two persons per 10,000 die daily; and when people are not able to access and sufficiently utilize food and other basics. The situation is extremely serious. WoC is calling for the courageous compassion of Disciples to support this critical relief effort. To find out more, visit www.weekofcompassion.org
