How has the Canadian Red Cross shown its support for the Horn of Africa?

Topics: Africa, Emergencies and Disasters Worldwide
March 08, 2013

How has the Canadian Red Cross shown its support for the Horn of Africa?

As an active non-profit organization, the Canadian Red Cross maintains a global and domestic presence and is well-known for engaging in a variety of humanitarian projects that improve the lives of those in need.

In the Horn of Africa, which includes countries such as Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Tanzania, a series of severe droughts in 2011 affected more than 13 million people and increased the risks of hunger and malnutrition in the region.

With help from the Canadian Red Cross, communities in the Horn of Africa have been able to make strides toward recovery, but more work is still needed to help countries recover from this crisis.

The role of the Canadian Red Cross
Droughts occurring in the Horn of Africa reduced access to food, shelter and clean water - it also had a negative impact on maternal and child health.

The Canadian Red Cross immediately worked to improve conditions on the ground, and at the peak of the crisis, supported more than two and a half million individuals through a variety of services. This was made possible through the generous contributions of Canadians, who donated approximately $14 million to the region.

"Canadians can be proud that their donations are supporting programs across the Horn of Africa that help communities recover from this crisis and build a stronger future," said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.

Creating lasting change
Although the aid provided by the Canadian Red Cross enabled countries in the Horn of Africa to overcome the immediate challenges posed by the drought, ongoing support is still necessary.

"Cyclical crises can only be fully addressed through long-term programming that addresses the root causes and chronic conditions that drive them," added Sauvé. "For this reason, the Canadian Red Cross has ongoing programming in the region to support long-term projects that reduce communities' vulnerability to future shocks."

With assistance from the Canadian Red Cross, communities in the Horn of Africa have been able to sustain programs that address agricultural, water and sanitation, educational and health needs for people. These much-needed services help prevent future emergencies and give local communities the resources to overcome potential setbacks.

Show your support
In the Horn of Africa, the Canadian Red Cross has provided assistance in an effort to help people throughout the region. It is also committed to improving the lives of those in need around the world by engaging in humanitarian relief work.

With the help of Canadians who want to make difference, emergencies and disasters are responded to on an international scale and individuals are offered the assistance that they need during times of hardship.

To show your support, please donate online or in-person at your local Canadian Red Cross today. Each contribution helps benefit people who have been affected by adversity. 

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