Act now to avert deaths from widespread hunger

The situation in Kenya is dire. [iStock]

The number of people threatened by severe hunger in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia has risen from 10 million to 23 million people in just one year. These gloomy statistics are contained in a recent report by Oxfam and Save the Children Fund. The report further shows that one person is likely to die from hunger every 48 seconds.

Hunger and starvation are a global challenge, especially in the face climate change ravages. According to the United Nations, the Horn of Africa region is facing the worst drought in 40 years. Yet despite improved early warning systems on weather patterns, respective governments have failed to put in place measures to mitigate the projected extremities of weather conditions.