As most Americans follow the path of hurricane Irene, a perfect storm of unfortunate events threatens the lives of millions of children in Eastern Africa. According to the United Nations, Somalia is currently experiencing the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world.
The current famine is the result of drought, food shortage, and political conflict. It is the same recipe for disaster that caused the events leading up to “Black Hawk Down” in 1993. Sadly, little has changed for the innocent people who live in the shadows of a corrupt government.
United Nations officials estimate tens of thousands of Somalis had died from starvation. In the middle of August, a cholera epidemic began sweeping the country. The disease is spreading rapidly, along with measles, in refugee camps where those who are malnourished and immune suppressed have little chance of warding off the illnesses.
In Utah, Catholic Community Services is currently resettling many families from Somalia whose lives have been on the line. Somalis are one of the most common refugee groups arriving in the United States, and Utah, today.
To find out more about how to help famine victims you can visit
www.ccsutah.org 
