Hunger has a face

You've probably read or seen it already. East Africa is currently experiencing the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. 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 affect those who have caused the least, 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 in search of 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 in the country. Millions of people have had to leave their homes, just like Maryan.

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

Hawa Abdi, healthcare worker in a refugee camp in Somalia

The poignant stories of Maryan and many others 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 the drought. Still, there aren't enough resources to go around - and many don't know how to make it through 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 ensure that more people get emergency food, clean water, sanitation and shelter. With more people, we can continue to support people beyond the emergency phase to become more resilient to climate change so that 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!

Manythanks!
Suzanne Standfast
Secretary General of Oxfam Sweden