Six years after the last drought emerged and took over the Somali population, another drought ravages the country, leaving half of it’s people with food shortages and a lack of clean drinking water. The depletion of food and spread of rampant disease only adds to the suffering that comes from the famine. As the prices of water continue to increase from what used to be 4 cents to 42 cents for a five gallon jug, more people remain malnourished. Because many families, at this point, cannot afford to purchase water, they are forced to drink the dirty water from the nearest water sources. Even as that water turned red and then a slimy green color with infestation from bacteria, it was the only source available to some.
This use of dirty water led to the spread of the cholera epidemic. As the transmission through human contact, food and flies heightened, the death toll also rose. While Somalia continues to suffer we must ask ourselves what role does the United States play in helping and what more can we do? Although members of the United Nations Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) are making an effort to send UNICEF members to support the Somali people, they are being banned in Shabab by an Islamic group.
Despite this, there are many things we, as Americans, can do to help and support the Somali people including raising funds and donating to organizations like CARE and MercyCorps. These humanitarian agencies provide relief efforts including food, clean water and education to the people of Somalia. By also distributing medical supplies and cash-for-work activities UNICEF, the Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders are all making an effort to stop the spread of cholera and restore the health of the Somali people.
The Drought and famine in Somalia
Written by Nysa Stiell