wfn.org | Kenya: Drought Victims Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency

["Beckett, John" <BeckettJ@gc.adventist.org>]

ANN Bulletin
Adventist News Network
Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters
December 14, 1999
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Kenya: Drought Victims Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency
Nairobi, Kenya ... [ANN]

As nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are called to intervene in the
devastation brought on by three years of drought and famine in Turkana,
Kenya, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is distributing
much-needed food aid to thousands. 

"Extended drought in the northwest region has exhausted the coping
mechanisms of the local residents and has claimed thousands of livestock-the
mainstay and asset base of the people-over the past three years," reports
ADRA Kenya director Fred Kumah. "If the short rains do come, then the next
harvest is due in three months. Between now and then, the situation looks
bleak." It is estimated that up to 200,000 people are affected.

This week, ADRA staff and local volunteers are distributing 10 tons (9
metric tons) of maize, one ton (900 kilograms) of beans, and one ton of high
protein blend to at least 5,000 affected people in the vulnerable
communities.  ADRA is also organizing further relief efforts to alleviate
and mitigate the effects of the devastation. 

"The current situation is so bad that people and animals are dying en
masse," adds Kumah. "Those who are strong enough migrate, leaving small
children and the elderly behind for nature to take its course. More needs to
be done right away!"

Other current projects run by ADRA in Kenya include providing physical
rehabilitation services to those affected by the U.S. embassy bombing in
Nairobi, integrated agricultural programs, an AIDS awareness program, and
education and school equipment projects.  [Beth Schaefer]
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