Denmark pledges aid as hunger grips east Africa

Some 300 million kroner set aside as situation teeters on disaster

The Danish government has stepped up its humanitarian efforts on the Horn of Africa in the wake of the current food crises plaguing the region.

Last week, the development minister, Ulla Tørnæs, pledged 10 million kroner to help alleviate hunger in Kenya, and this week she has set aside a further 300 million kroner to fight hunger and food shortages in east Africa and Yemen.

“I’ve just returned from Kenya where I was given a first-hand impression of the crisis. The situation on the Horn of Africa is becoming more desperate each day that passes,” said Tørnæs.”

“The UN’s humanitarian grants are seriously under financed and millions of people are dying from starvation. To me, it is paramount that we help in the local areas and support the drought-stricken nations in taking care of those affected by the drought.”

Conflicts and sustained droughts have taken their toll on the region. In South Sudan alone, some five million people – including one million children – are in desperate need of food and the situation is looking equally dire in other nations in the region.

READ MORE: Danish millions to help alleviate drought in east Africa

Leading the way
At the moment, just 6 percent of the UN’s humanitarian efforts in South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen have been financed, so there is a massive need for funds to prevent starvation in the region. The situation could escalate to reach the disastrous levels experienced back in the 1980s.

“If the international community doesn’t act now, the drought in east Africa could easily become one of those quiet crises that claims thousands of lives,” said Tørnæs.

“So Denmark will act now, because there is a desperate need for resources and because it can lead to other nations following suit and donating a significant amount of aid. If we stand together, we can save lives and improve the drought-resistance of the nations affected.”

Denmark’s 300 million kroner will be dispersed among the World Food Programme, the International Red Cross, and NGOs operating in the region.

The Danish contribution will also be earmarked for more long-term efforts aimed at strengthening food security and drought resistance in the area.

TOP STORIES

  • Danish Intelligence Service: Threat from Russia has intensified

    Danish Intelligence Service: Threat from Russia has intensified

    In the internal Danish waters, Russia will be able to attack underwater infrastructure from all types of vessels. The target could be cables with data, electricity and gas, assesses the Danish Defense Intelligence Service

  • Denmark to explore screening citizenship applicants for anti-democratic sentiments

    Denmark to explore screening citizenship applicants for anti-democratic sentiments

    A few weeks after Alex Vanopslagh’s comments about “right values,” the government announced that an expert committee would be established to examine the feasibility of screening citizenship applicants for anti-democratic attitudes.

  • The Future Copenhagen

    The Future Copenhagen

    The municipality plan encompasses building 40,000 houses by 2036 in order to help drive real estate prices down. But this is not the only huge project that will change the shape of the city: Lynetteholmen, M5 metro line, the Eastern Ring Road, and Jernbanebyen will transform Copenhagen into something different from what we know today

  • It’s not you: winter depression is affecting many people

    It’s not you: winter depression is affecting many people

    Many people in Denmark are facing hard times marked by sadness, anxiety, and apathy. It’s called winter depression, and it’s a widespread phenomenon during the cold months in Nordic countries.

  • Crime rates are rising, but people are safer

    Crime rates are rising, but people are safer

    Crime in Denmark is increasing for the second consecutive year, but it is more focused on property, while people appear to be safer than before. Over the past year, there were fewer incidents of violence

  • Novo Nordisk invests 8.5 billion DKK in new Odense facility

    Novo Nordisk invests 8.5 billion DKK in new Odense facility

    Despite Novo’s announcement that its growth abroad will be larger than in Denmark, the company announced this morning an 8.5 billion DKK investment for a new facility in Odense. This is the first time the company has established a new production site in Denmark this century.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs