Horn of Africa Famine Response – Update #2

A few weeks ago we detailed MAP’s response to the unprecedented famine sweeping much of the Horn of Africa, including two countries in which MAP works, Uganda and Kenya. As the situation continues to worsen, we are stepping up our response by providing critical non-food items to those directly affected in Somalia. This is a detailed report from our programs team, which you can download here. Also, please consider a donation to help the ongoing famine relief response.

Background: In Northeastern Kenya, 1,500 new Somali refugees are arriving each day into Dadaab refugee camp; this year alone, Dadaab camp has received 60,000 new arrivals to a camp that was already overflowing.  Driven by hunger, sickness, and desperation, refugees walked for 30 days to Dadaab on the Somalia-Kenya border.  International aid organizations have been mounting an effective response but they are struggling to keep up with the rising influx of refugees. Medicines are desperately needed in the camp where poor sanitation, crowding, and existing infectious diseases create a dangerous environment for the refugees.

Update:

1. With the funding support received from a donor over the weekend, MAP has mobilized two Interagency Emergency Health Kits to support the relief response of long-standing MAP partner International Medical Corps (IMC).  The two IEHK kits are planned for shipment by air later this week and should arrive next week in Kenya to be used among the health facilities where Dadaab IDP Camp is located.   These kits will supply enough drugs and emergency medical supplies to provide medical care for 20,000 people for 3 months.  MAP is planning to send two additional IEHKs over the next few weeks to support the IMC medical response.  Cost = $30,000
2. The MAP Kenya Team is conducting an assessment in Dadaab camp and will be linking up with relief response partners.  Pending the results of the assessment, we are hoping to mobilize experienced, in-country health professionals to support a medical relief response with locally procured medicines and supplies.  Plans are for them to work in 2-week shifts and provide emergency medical care in the camps for at least 2 months.  Cost = $40,000
3. With part of the funding already received, MAP is supporting Integral Alliance partner responses in the region with NFI (Non-Food Items) distribution, shelter, water-trucking, nutritional therapeutic feeding, rehabilitation of water catchments, and similar crisis interventions.  We hope to continue support for these partners with additional funding.  Cost = $30,000

Amount needed:  To carry out this expanded response through our MAP Kenya team and through our partners, we are requesting an additional $100,000 to continue serving on the frontlines in this growing crisis.

Contact:  

Kipp Branch: e-mail Kbranch@map.org or by phone: 912-280-6663

MAP International, 4700 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525