Hunger has a face

You have probably read or seen it already. In East Africa, the world's largest humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Extreme drought over several years has destroyed crops and killed livestock - and more than 30 million people are fighting for their lives. The climate crisis continues to hit those who have caused the least of it, and this is no exception.

One of those affected is Maryan Mohamed. She lives in Somalia with her newborn baby who suffers from malnutrition. Maryan eventually had no choice but to leave her home to look for water and food.

"We had to leave our village because my daughter's condition was getting worse."

Maryan Mohamed, Somalia

Maryan's daughter has diarrhea and is in urgent need of nutrition and hydration. For mothers like Maryan, the effects of the climate crisis are painfully obvious as she cradles her malnourished child.

The situation for Maryan and her young daughter is anything but unusual. Oxfam estimates that 1.8 million children in Somalia will be acutely malnourished by the end of the year due to the extreme drought that has hit the country. Millions of people have had to leave their homes, just like Maryan.

"Last month alone, 11 severely malnourished children arrived here. Refugees and climate change have hit them very hard and they get sick every time they come to a new camp. Cases of malnutrition are common here."

Hawa Abdi, health worker in a refugee camp in Somalia

Maryan's and many others' poignant stories show the devastating reality of the climate crisis and its disproportionate and unfair impact on the most vulnerable.

Despite huge obstacles and setbacks, the people of Somalia are showing incredible resilience in overcoming the deadly consequences of drought. But even so, there are not enough resources to go around - and many don't know how they will survive the day. That's why our monthly donors are needed. Together with local partners and donors, Oxfam is working every day to provide vital support to people like Maryan. We need you to help more people get emergency food, clean water, sanitation and shelter. With even more people, we can continue to support people beyond the emergency phase to become more resilient to climate change, so they can rebuild their lives.

Thank you for supporting the most vulnerable. Together with you, we can continue to reach more people. Give a Christmas gift that makes a difference!

Many thanks!
Suzanne Standfast
Secretary General of Oxfam Sweden