Canada ’s contribution is helping to improve health and well-being of displaced Somali children and their families
July 24, 2014 – Toronto, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, announced new humanitarian assistance funding to Save the Children Canada for a project in Somalia that is contributing to the improved health and well-being of up to 137,000 Somalis displaced by conflict and drought.
“After years of conflict and chronic drought, Somalia has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition and infant mortality in the world,” said MP Opitz. “For many years, Canada has provided significant support for humanitarian assistance efforts in Somalia. WithCanada’s continued support, Save the Children Canada is helping to meet the urgent needs of Somali people who have been displaced by this crisis, including vulnerable children.”
Conflict, insecurity, and drought have left 3 million people inSomalia(up to 40% of the population) in need of humanitarian assistance in 2014. Nearly 900,000 people face acute hunger and 1 million remain displaced from their homes. Child malnutrition rates in the country are among the worst in the world and access to medical care is extremely limited.
The funding announced by Canada today will be used to support Save the Children Canada’s life-saving efforts in Somalia toward improving access to safe water, proper sanitation, healthcare, and treatment for acute malnutrition for displaced populations in and around Mogadishu.
“We are very grateful for the financial support for this growing humanitarian crisis,” said Patricia Erb, Save the Children Canada President and CEO. “With Canada’s support, Save the Children Canada will be able to significantly improve the health and living conditions of more than 130,000 Somalis who have been displaced by conflict and drought. With this support we will build the health care capacity on the ground by supporting community health centres, feeding centres, meeting sanitation needs and training community health care workers to provide health services and disseminate knowledge of proper health, hygiene, and nutrition practices. We can create sustainable change by supporting knowledge and development directly within the community.”
Save the Children Canada raises funds and operates programs domestically and internationally to provide emergency relief and promote child rights.
“Canada’s support to humanitarian efforts inSomaliareflects the shared Canadian values of compassion and generosity,” said Minister Paradis. “Canadais committed to helping meet the humanitarian needs of people affected by crises, both inSomaliaand around the world.”
MP Opitz made the announcement at a townhall meeting held in Etobicoke to discuss the current challenges inSomalia.
Sandrine Perion
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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