The UN Secretary-General officially announced this week a crisis that it had been warning member states about for months — a full-blown famine in Somalia.

Famine in the Horn of Africa: Swiss Solidarity steps up fund-raising appeal

Ten days after Swiss Solidarity’s fund-raising appeal for victims of the famine in parts of East Africa, the situation has deteriorated still further. Swiss Solidarity partner-organizations on the spot are carrying out emergency relief aid. The appeal for donations has so far raised a total of CHF 2’294’624.

Seven partner-organizations of Swiss Solidarity are currently active in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Somaliland. These organizations (ADRA, Caritas, HEKS, CBM, Doctors without Borders – Switzerland, Medair and the Swiss Red Cross) are distributing supplies of food, water and medicines, as well as building latrines and propagating hygiene measures. Other aid organizations ( Handicap International, Terre des hommes) are assessing the relief situation and considering action.

The needs of the famine victims are overwhelming. Donations can be made to Swiss Postal Account 10-15000-6 (endorsed «Africa») or online. Swiss Solidarity paying-in slips are available from all Post Offices nationwide.