World Vision Commits $1.7 Billion to Fight Child Hunger in Africa
World Vision has operated in Africa for decades, providing food aid and other humanitarian relief following disasters, famines and conflict.
Addis/Dakar/Johannesburg/Nairobi, 21 February, 2024:- International aid group World Vision on Wednesday launched a new $1.7 billion campaign aimed at ending child hunger and malnutrition across Africa over the next three years, writes Winston Mwale.
The Christian humanitarian organization said the funds will go toward improving nutrition and reducing food insecurity for children in 27 African countries through interventions like food assistance and nutritional supplements.
The campaign was announced at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, where World Vision decried the devastating impacts of conflict, climate change and high food costs that have left millions of African children malnourished or starving.
"Children bear the brunt of the food crisis and suffer from severe hunger and malnutrition, a condition that continues to jeopardize their ability to survive, thrive and reach their full potential," said Lillian Dodzo, World Vision's regional director for East Africa.
Citing U.N. data, World Vision noted that over 278 million Africans are undernourished.
More than 55 million African children under age 5 are stunted due to malnutrition, part of 148 million stunted children globally.
Urban food insecurity is also a major problem, with over 68 million city dwellers across sub-Saharan Africa at risk, according to the World Food Programme.
World Vision said its new campaign is an urgent effort to break the cycle of poverty exacerbated by hunger.
It aims to improve nutrition data collection so vulnerable children can be identified and aided.
"We have had enough but we believe there is enough for every child," the organization said in a statement.
The Africa launch is part of World Vision's global anti-hunger initiative connected to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
The group called for increased commitments by African governments to nutrition interventions that can save children's lives.
World Vision has operated in Africa for decades, providing food aid and other humanitarian relief following disasters, famines and conflict.