UAE | General
UN body calls for global coalition to fight hunger
There are as many as 850 million chronically hungry people worldwide; 400 million children are suffering from severe malnutrition; and 25,000 lives are lost every day.
- By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 October 16, 2006
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
- Scores of people met at the open beach at Umm Suqueim yesterday in the run up to the international day for eradicating poverty on Monday.
Dubai: There are as many as 850 million chronically hungry people worldwide; 400 million children are suffering from severe malnutrition; and 25,000 lives are lost every day.
The statistics speak for themselves, but on the occasion of World Food Day today people in the UAE are being encouraged to "speak up" about the global hunger crisis.
"This crisis will only be solved through a global coalition, involving everyone from individuals to governments," said Tarek Shayya, regional donor relations officer at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Dubai, a strategic regional hub, which serves as the centre of Middle East operations.
"People who are shocked should do something and not take it silently. Many underestimate what they can actually do. It is wonderful for people to donate money, but equally important to know about what is going on and to tell others."
According to Shayya, some of the most critical crises include areas of Sudan, where millions are in need of aid; Horn of Africa and western African nations such as Mali, Niger and Mauritania where the effects of droughts remain; as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
While these largely "silent emergencies" continue in countries across the globe, Shayya said that even in our own region, one of the most severe humanitarian crises is worsening by the day.
WFP has responded to the crisis in Palestine by increasing its food aid distribution from 480,000 to 600,000 people in the past year alone.
Lack of resources
"There are no safety nets and limited social solidarity systems in place anymore because everyone in the West Bank and Gaza is being affected. Furthermore, donations are not as forthcoming for this crisis. We know that there are people in need of food, but we are unable to fulfil all their needs because of a lack of resources. We have to stand up and say that this is unacceptable."
Shayya said that for this "unique case," WFP is focusing on Arab donors because of the regional importance of the issue.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on the occasion of World Food Day, WFP Executive Director James Morris highlighted the crisis, saying that hunger still kills more people than Aids, tuberculosis and malaria combined.
According to WFP, as little as 19 cents a day can provide a child in a poor country with a healthy meal. To make a donation contact WFP's Dubai on 04-3681383, or visit www.wfp.org.
More from UAE General
More from UAE
Latest news
- Bridges needed
- Sharjah festival to enlighten heritage lovers
- Reimbursement of ID card fines to start in March
- Last chance for subscribers to win big
- Gang charged with robbery using air-freshener
- it was just a ‘vampire' game, driver tells court
- Restaurateur in Abu Dhabi found dead in flat
- Dubai Police solve murder mystery
- Educating fussy Emirati jobseekers
- 9 injured as paraglider crashes into stadium
- Abu Dhabi Police rescue victims of car crash
- Compensation to vary for fire victims
- Police honour residents who reported crime
- Move to promote Abu Dhabi tourism
- RTA: 0.25m YouTube, Facebook, Twitter followers
Community Reports
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
-
Safety regulations flouted at Dubai work place
In Al Nahda 2, two workers were seen working on the crane boom at a height of 20m without a full body harness or safety net in violation of rules
