Famine in Kenya: Children in Danger of Loosing Their Sight
Relief Programme Starts
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- A Massai woman, Siato ene Sencha (58), who is suffering from trachoma, sitting in front of her hut in her husband's manyatta (Massai farm) near Kajiado/Kenya. © CBM
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The long-lasting drought in Eastern Africa will probably have severe consequences: survivors might go blind or be disabled due to other conditions. Especially children are in danger of loosing their sight due to malnutrition.
The famine affects people living in Northern Kenya and in the neighbouring countries. Eye diseases like trachoma will be difficult to treat, and childhood blindness is promoted. A total of 3.5 million people in Kenya are in danger of starving. Ward, Regional Representative of CBM in East-Africa: "The situation is critical, especially for children. As a consequence of malnourishment, more and more people die of diseases like malaria. We need to respond quickly: Many are about to starve."
The famine affects people living in Northern Kenya and in the neighbouring countries. Eye diseases like trachoma will be difficult to treat, and childhood blindness is promoted. A total of 3.5 million people in Kenya are in danger of starving. Ward, Regional Representative of CBM in East-Africa: "The situation is critical, especially for children. As a consequence of malnourishment, more and more people die of diseases like malaria. We need to respond quickly: Many are about to starve."
Food, Medicine and Livestock
CBM Christian Blind Mission has started with a three-step relief programme. In the acute phase, nutrient enriched porridge will be given to the weakest of the children, the general population will receive packages with sweet corn, edible oil and beans, and moskito nets and medicine, for the prevention of malaria and other epidemics. In the medium term, CBM will support the building of wells to provide clean drinking water. This is also an important means to combat trachoma. Ward: "We will provide these wells to schools and health centres, each well goes down into the ground for about 50 to 200 metres."
As many families have lost their cattle, which is their means of existence, CBM will support the provision of lifestock in the long run. At the same time, existing eye health programmes will be intensified.
Further information: What is Trachoma?
As many families have lost their cattle, which is their means of existence, CBM will support the provision of lifestock in the long run. At the same time, existing eye health programmes will be intensified.
Further information: What is Trachoma?
