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Reports of Linda Mwania, Kenya, July 2011
cbm's Linda Mwania reporting from the food crisis in the Horn of Africa
Linda Mwania
Comminucation Officer
cbm East Africa
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Video reports
Thursday, 28 July, 2011 - Moyale
Our visit to this area has drawn to a close, and as we begin our journey I reflect on our time in this border town.
This area has a natural beauty, the community warm and welcoming. I have been touched by the strength of the people living in the interior despite experiencing a currently difficult period. Even more so, the many people who have shared their lives with us particularly those living with disability. I feel that we have a responsibility to stand alongside them during this time. And to work together as partners on the ground to ensure that whatever help is available reaches them quickly.
So pray for cbm as we respond to the situation in Kenya and horn of Africa countries, and work with partners including the Kenya Red Cross and others to bring help where it is needed. Pray for the Emergency Response Unit headed by Valerie that they will find the support necessary to implement cbm’s response. Pray for the people affected by the drought and famine that they will not lose hope, and that help will reach them quickly. And pray especially for persons with disabilities that are also affected by this drought, for their courage as they try to rebuild their lives in the following months and years.
Wednesday, 27 July, 2011 - Moyale
Today at the hospital I met a few mothers and their children that had been admitted in the ward in order to receive supplemental feeding. Among them I spoke once more with Hawai, whom we had met two days before. At that time she had just come into the hospital with her granddaughter, a two month old weighing 2.2 kgs on admission.
She had walked from the village of Elu, 3 kms away, worried for the baby’s health. When the baby’s mother died while she was one month old, Hawai took on care of her granddaughter. Due to the drought most of their cattle had died so there was no cow’s milk. They tried feeding the baby on goat’s milk but she reacted after some time and started vomiting a lot. She was not well. When the little baby was received at the hospital she was immediately put on supplements and milk resulting in a visible difference in just two days.
The Nursing Officer in Charge at Moyale District Hospital informed us that as a result of the current drought, despite feeding centres in the community, cases of malnutrition are on the rise. This is affecting not only the children but the adults too. When children are discharged from hospital they are provided with food packages for supplemental feeding. These packages end up being utilized by the entire family due to the gravity of the situation.
However, it is encouraging to see how as in the case of Hawai’s granddaughter, necessary assistance can turn this situation around.
Tuesday, 26 July, 2011 - Moyale
Driving through the villages close to the Kenya/Ethiopian border today reminded me of the words of a song 'In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water...' As we went from village to village the same scenario unfolded: thorny shrubs, depleted livestock, bare earth in which hardly anything grows, entire village dependent on food relief. Maize and sometimes beans and oil rations come once a month and are just barely enough to sustain the families.
People we spoke to told us they are down to one meal a day. From one family we heard the shocking words " yesterday, we borrowed food from our neighbours because our rations are exhausted. We will pay back when we receive our monthly ration of food supplies"
In these challenging conditions, coping for a person with disabilities has been even harder. We met several who shared their story with us. Adan, a 14 year old boy with cerebral palsy, Amina a shy beautiful 13 year old girl who is deaf. Rashid, 42 year old man with physical disabilities who told us this was the first time he could remember anyone coming to his village seeking out persons with disabilities.
Everyone is barely surviving and reliant on food rations. For those with a disability, they are doubly reliant, not just on food aid but on their family members and friend to help them access these food supplies.
Tomorrow the CBM team will be at the hospital to talk with the medical team.
Monday, 25 July, 2011 - Moyale
I am on the border of northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia at a town called Moyale. After visiting officials in the areas i went to the hospital. I was heartbroken when i walked into the room to see an elderly lady with a tiny child, a two months old showing sign of severe malnutrition.The Mother of the child died when the baby was a month old leaving the baby with her grandmother.
We heard today that 75% of the population are affected by the drought and are needing food supplies. Workers at the hospital told us they have never seen it this bad.
Tomorrow we go out to the community to see how the drought is impacting people with disabilities.
Sunday, 24 July, 2011 - Kwale
Last week I was in Kwale District, and this morning I travel up to North Kenya. The drought conditions that continue to ravage Horn of Africa countries resulting in a declared famine in Southern Somalia, is having a growing impact on Kenyan communities.
Almost 3 million Kenyans are currently affected. This weekend the Government announced that this figure could rise significantly within the next few weeks if help doesn’t reach them quickly. Traditionally non-arid areas in Central, Nyanza and Western are now experiencing food shortages brought on by the prevailing conditions.
cbm is concerned about persons with disabilities who tend to be more vulnerable in situations such as these. With already limited mobility they experience challenges accessing food distribution activities and moving away from harsh conditions to where help is available.
I hope to bring a daily update during our visit to Northern Kenya over the next few days.
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