The situation in Africa seems to worsen day by day, with thousands dying daily due to hunger and thirst. Three years of failed rains have led to severe droughts across the Horn of Africa and has put the lives of at least 11 million people at risk. UWT field representative Shaykh Zakir reported, “People are forced to walk 44 miles to find water in temperatures of up to 44°C. Some have also been witnessed consuming rats, due to extreme hunger”.

Ethiopia stands on the brink of a crisis similar in magnitude to 1984. In the year 2003, some 14.3 Million Ethiopians (1/3 of the total population) required food aid, with the numbers increasing daily.

“I've a family of four and I used to support my family by tilling the land. Because of the drought I don't have anything to harvest from my land.” (Waricha Chema, farmer)

In March 2006, the United Nations reported that 3.5 Million people faced the threat of starvation if aid is not provided. At least 100 people have died in Northern Kenya with cattle also dying at a worrying rate. “When the camels start dying, that's when it's getting bad.” (Captain Wachilu)

Somalia is now in the grip of one of the worst droughts to hit the Horn of Africa for decades. In the southern Lower Shabelle region, Kadicha Mohammed said that none of her three children had had a proper meal for a week. The area worst affected by a chronic lack of rainfall is in the south of the country, where the mainly pastoralist community has watched its animals die in the thousands.

“Fah-fah-dhun village had about 1,500 families, but now there are fewer than 500 families.” (Village chief Ali Adam Warabeh)

Malawi is currently going through the worst food crisis since the last decade. Approximately 5 million people, 2/5th of the population, require emergency food aid. The shortages are blamed on poor rains and a lack of seed and fertiliser during the planting season. In addition to this, about 20% of the population is affected by HIV/Aids and this is also fuelling the problem of extreme hunger.

In Niger, the world’s 2nd poorest country, 3.5 million lives are at risk from hunger and malnutrition. The death rate for children is very high, with up to a million close to death. A locust plague followed by the drought ruined Niger and neighboring West African countries. More than 50% of the cattle are believed to have died. “World’s number one forgotten and neglected emergency” (UN)

As the suffering continues across the African region UWT has operated in various countries and continues to do so. To date the following projects have been accomplished:

• £40,000 worth aid has been distributed successfully in Ethiopia, which has benefited 20,000 people.
• £133,750 worth aid has been distributed in Niger.
• £18,200 worth aid has been distributed in Kenya.
• An orphanage has also started, and currently caters for 60 orphans.
• 200 children in Kindergarten, Sudan are currently sponsored by UWT, which includes their education, clothing, and salaries for their teachers.

UWT continues to operate in the African region and intends to carry out the following projects:

• Purchase a drilling rig machine that will be able to bore 150m deep. This shall provide a long term solution for the water problem. The estimate for this is between £100,000 and £150,000.
• £100,000 has been allocated for food distribution in the required regions. More funds shall be allocated in the near future.
• The orphans in the orphanage will be increased and more children will be sponsored.

As the beloved Ummah of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) continues to suffer in the African region and elsewhere, it becomes our duty to assist them in every possible way. Ummah Welfare Trust has responded to the cries of the Ummah in various countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Burma, Chechnya, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kashmir, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan & Turkey. Please donate now to relieve the suffering of our brothers and sisters, who are in need of our financial and moral support. UWT ensures that 100% of your donations reach its destination.