Currently — December 19th, 2022

December 18, 2022

What you need to know, currently.

Currently’s staff reporter, Anna Abraham, has a piece up about the drought that continues to devastate the east African region. The drought is the longest and most severe drought on record, and after five consecutive failed rainy seasons, experts predict the next rain period will also fail.

“Water has become a precious commodity, with about 23 million people facing daily household water insecurity. This leaves them more vulnerable to water-borne diseases. It also forces women and children to travel long distances to fetch water, often exposing them to violence on their journeys.

‘The only thing people are praying for now is a little bit of rain,’ said Walter Mawere, the Communications and Advocacy Coordinator from CARE Somalia.

‘I have met adults who are saying they have to forgo water. They can give their children some drinking water but there is not enough for themselves.’

At the same time, people are reeling from the knock-on effects of the drought. Measles and cholera outbreaks are impacting communities, and when combined with malnutrition, the health impacts are even worse.”

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