Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mogadishu (Agenzia Fides) - The mortality rate among displaced children in the Somali capital Mogadishu remains above the threshold of hunger, despite the recent announcement by the United Nations on the end of famine in the Horn of Africa torn apart by war. A bumper crop due to heavy rains, and food distribution by aid agencies, have improved conditions in the three areas most affected. However, a new wave of famine could occur in the month of May, as reported by the United Nations. Over 2.3 million people, about one third of the population, still need urgent help. Among the displaced people in Mogadishu acute child malnutrition rates exceeds 20%. The mortality rate among children under 5 in refugee camps in Mogadishu is 5:46 per 10,000 per day. The state of famine in the African country last July killed tens of thousands of people in southern and central Somalia, the majority are children under 5. Approximately 325 000 young Somalis are still severely malnourished and in urgent need of food specialist care, especially in Juba and Bakool regions. The camps of Mogadishu and Afgoye, the largest settlement for displaced people in the world, 30 kilometers from the capital, represent two of the three areas that have just overcome the state of famine. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2012)
