U.N. Declares Worst Humanitarian Crisis Since WWII As Famine Threatens 4 Nations In Africa, Middle East, Trump Administration Proposes Cuts To Foreign Aid

Associated Press: Worst humanitarian crisis hits as Trump slashes foreign aid
“The world’s largest humanitarian crisis in 70 years has been declared in three African countries on the brink of famine, just as President Donald Trump’s proposed foreign aid cuts threaten to pull the United States from its historic role as the world’s top emergency donor. If the deep cuts are approved by Congress and the U.S. does not contribute to Africa’s current crisis, experts warn that the continent’s growing drought and famine could have far-ranging effects, including a new wave of migrants heading to Europe and possibly more support for Islamic extremist groups…” (Lynch/Graham, 3/28).

New York Times: Drought and War Heighten Threat of Not Just 1 Famine, but 4
“…Another famine is about to tighten its grip on Somalia. And it’s not the only crisis that aid agencies are scrambling to address. For the first time since anyone can remember, there is a very real possibility of four famines — in Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Yemen — breaking out at once, endangering more than 20 million lives. International aid officials say they are facing one of the biggest humanitarian disasters since World War II. And they are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past…” (Gettleman, 3/27).

PRI: Drought doesn’t cause famine. People do.
“…The key for avoiding the worst outcomes? Political will, experts say. … And that’s where data become especially important. Measuring early indicators is crucial for averting famine, as is early investment. In its March announcement, the U.N. asked for $4.4 billion in emergency funding for intervention, and released $22 million in an emergency loan to Somalia on March 21…” (Chou, 3/27).

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