Speeches Shim
Fighting Famine
Photo: AFP PHOTO /
Tens of millions of people are in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of man-made crises in South Sudan, Nigeria, and Yemen - all of which are driven by violent conflict - and Somalia, where ongoing conflict is compounding the effects of severe and prolonged drought. These crises are forcing people to flee within and beyond their country borders, disrupting agricultural production and livelihoods, and severing families from their social support systems. Ongoing violence - including deliberate attacks on civilians and relief workers - continues to prevent aid from reaching those most in need.
The United States is one of the largest donors of humanitarian assistance in all four crises. The assistance we provide includes: emergency food and nutrition assistance, safe drinking water, life-saving medical care, and shelter for those who have been displaced, both internally and as refugees, as well as protection for civilians. The United States is also supporting health, sanitation and hygiene services to help stop the spread of preventable disease - a leading cause of death during food crises.
Our assistance represents the best of America's generosity and goodwill, while improving our national security by strengthening relationships with nations and people around the world. We will continue to work with our international and local partners to provide the life-saving aid needed to avert famine and to support surrounding countries, mitigating the impact of these crises.
Yemen’s cholera caseload continues to increase rapidly, with more than 140,000 suspected cases and 989 related deaths in 20 governorates since late April. Approximately one-half of all cholera cases are among children 15 years of age and younger. The UN again emphasizes the need for Al Hudaydah Port to remain open due to concern for future imports
IDP camps in Nigeria’s Banki town host more than 42,000 people. Population influxes to Nigeria’s Pulka town strain already limited resources, notably water and shelter. Attack against IDPs in Cameroon’s Mayo-Sava Department results in at least nine civilian deaths. Health officials record 770 hepatitis E cases in Niger’s Diffa Region from January–May
USG announces additional $45 million for the Nigeria humanitarian response. More than 11,800 people relocate to Nigeria’s Banki town from Cameroon in May. WFP continues providing emergency food assistance to IDPs and refugees across the Lake Chad Basin Region. International donors contribute $24 million to the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund
Ongoing violence displaces an additional 200,000 people in April. Health actors report suspected cholera cases in Aburoc. US government (USG) announces $142 million in new humanitarian assistance.
Renewed outbreak of cholera spreads in 19 governorates, with more than 41,900 suspected cases recorded since late April. US government (USG) contributes an additional $77.1 million to support emergency relief operations in Yemen. Humanitarian agencies, including USG partners, provide life-saving assistance to approximately 4.8 million people from January to early May.
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