SAVE THE STARVING’
MINISTER Priti Patel has come up with a five-point plan to tackle the looming global hunger crisis putting 20 million people at risk of starvation.
The International Development Secretary said famine is ravaging South Sudan, while families in Somalia, Yemen and Nigeria are also in desperate need of aid. She warned that 20 million could die over the next six months unless the US, France and Germany join Britain in helping end the food crisis. Accusing the UN and World Bank of “dragging their feet” Ms Patel said: “The world faces an unprecedented humanitarian challenge and the warnings are growing louder each day.”
She said officials must create jobs and improve healthcare and education, form a coalition with other countries to ensure aid agencies work together and ensure funding pledges are turned into action on the ground. Ms Patel is also urging leaders of struggling countries to obey international law so aid can get through and called on UK ambassadors to use their diplomatic muscle when famine strikes.
In South Sudan millions have fled their homes because of violence and rape.
In Somalia more than six million people have no reliable access to food and there are 360,000 acutely malnourished children. In Yemen three million are acutely malnourished, including 462,000 youngsters.