Crisis in Somalia Intensifies

Urgent Intervention Needed, Say Humanitarian Agencies

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Famine, war and disease have further worsened the situation in Somalia, a nation, which for more than 20 years, has suffered from internal crises and conflict. 

Humanitarian agencies are calling for more appropriate action in the African country where about 3 million people are suffering food insecurity, and 50,000 are malnourished children.

The agencies are trying to prevent a further imminent crisis to the nation, Fides reported May 20. 

Between 2010 and 2012, famine caused the death of about 260,000 people in Somalia, more than half of them children under 5 years of age.

As well as drought, ongoing conflict is also making the distribution of aid difficult.

The complicated situation is compounded by the proliferation of infections and increasing diseases. Only 30 percent of Somalis have access to safe drinking water and less than 25 percent have access to health services.

The country has the second highest mortality rate in the world and polio, which had been eradicated from Somalia, was recorded in 193 cases last year.

Humanitarian agencies warn that only 12 percent of funds have been distributed this year. (D.C.L.)

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ZENIT Staff

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