Horn of Africa Famine
July 2011
Stations, the following is
a news announcement. Suggested lead in 3, 2, 1…
(INTRO)
The Horn of Africa is in
the midst of the world's worst food crisis, with the
region suffering the first famine of the 21st century.
Thousands are dying, many before they even get to refugee
camps to get help. If a full-blown catastrophic crisis
is to be averted, the world has to act now to ensure
necessary aid.
Ray Offenheiser, president
of Oxfam America, says at least 11 million people are
now affected, particularly in Somalia, southern Ethiopia
and northern Kenya.
(OFFENHEISER)
WE'RE LOOKING AT A REGION
VERY MUCH ON THE BRINK OF CATASTROPHE. WEDNESDAY'S DECLARATION
OF FAMINE BY THE UNITED NATIONS RATCHETS UP THE LEVEL
OF DROUGHT CRISIS TO LEVELS NOT SEEN IN NEARLY 20 YEARS.
SEVERE SHORTAGES OF FOOD AND WATER ARE OCCURRING WITH
EXTREMELY HIGH LEVELS OF MALNUTRITION. PEOPLE'S LIVELIHOODS
HAVE ALREADY BEEN DECIMATED, BUT THERE IS NOW ALSO A
REAL RISK OF LARGE-SCALE LOSS OF LIFE, SO WE MUST ACT
NOW.
(CLOSE)
For more information, visit
www.oxfamamerica.org/helpeastafrica.
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