15 February 2012 - 15 February 2013
Thousands of babies and children are just centimetres from death
You can send help now
Niger’s food crisis is reaching epidemic proportions. Babies and children are suffering the most terrible hunger. Nine out of ten children coming to the screening clinics are wasting away.
They urgently need your help. Here’s how you can help to stop a child wasting away right now:
€110 could quickly screen children for severe malnutrition
€85 helps deliver emergency nutritious food and continues a child’s recovery at home
€55 can help families plant and irrigate crops in their village
€30 can help to dig a well and provide a ready supply of clean water
The full story
Hunger in Niger is caused by the combined effects of prolonged drought and the infestation of crops by insects. In addition, food is so expensive and in such short supply, mothers cannot feed their children.
The Red Cross is driving the prompt detection of acute malnutrition in the under fives, together with the rapid delivery of therapeutic food that will stop hundreds of children from wasting away.
We are also helping local communities to tackle the causes of the malnutrition and hunger. Health education, improving water and sanitation and creating paid work will help families give their children a better start in life. In addition, distributing seeds and supporting better irrigation, soil management and tree planting will help communities plant more robust and sustainable crops.