Somalis fleeing deadly famine are arriving at UNHCR camps by the thousands every day.

The flood of desperate humanity continues to flow. Exhausted, malnourished and often sick, some of them are in critical condition by the time they stumble into camp.

UNHCR emergency teams are struggling to provide basic aid to Somali refugees in Ethiopia and Kenya border camps, along with 1.4 million internally displaced people in southern Somalia. Ensuring that newcomers get food, water and medical attention is key. Supplies continue to be shipped from our stocks in Dubai, along with locally purchased items like tents. Blankets, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, buckets and mosquito nets are pressed into service as soon as they arrive.

UNHCR staff are also battling persistently high death rates in many camps, particularly among children. If treated early and correctly, most malnourished children can recover physically. But so many are taking longer than normal to recover, sometimes up to eight weeks, possibly because they arrived in such terrible shape to begin with. In their weakened state, people in these camps are also succumbing to measles and difficult hygiene situations. Even as our emergency teams frantically provide therapeutic feeding and initiate mass immunization campaigns, it’s not enough.

“We still do not have all the resources for food, clean water, shelter and health services to save the lives of thousands of Somalis in desperate need,” says Mark Bowden, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.

Donors join the ERTeam

Monthly gifts from donors means our Emergency Response Team (ERTeam) has the steady, reliable support they need to prepare for future emergencies – and go straight into action when a crisis like the Somalia famine arises.

It is the best possible way donors can help. Monthly donations make such a big difference that UNHCR monthly supporters are honorary members of the ERTeam. Please consider this convenient option that also reduces fundraising costs.

To learn more, visit us online at www.unhcr.ca/ert or call 1-877-232-0909.

The prevalence of violence and disease in Somalia means that abandoned and orphaned children are extremely common. Ruun, 16, is responsible for taking care of her three siblings after the death of her mother and her father's dissapearance.
© UNHCR/R.Gangale

Malyan, 20, an Ethiopian refugee living in Bulo Baley settlement in north Galkayo, rests at the Galkayo Medical Centre. An infection from a thorn wound on her left foot became so badly infected that doctors had to amputate the foot eventually.
© UNHCR/R.Gangale

Seven-year-old Abdifatah at the Galkayo Medical Centre, after a surgery to remove a urinary tract stone. His mother, Filo, fans him while he rests. © UNHCR/R.Gangale