East Africa Destitute Warns Oxfam

(29 Apr 09 - RV) A severe drought in east Africa has left nearly 23 million people on the brink of destitution and dependent on aid.


The worst affected countries are Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Uganda. People in the region are suffering from malnutrition and hundreds of thousands of cattle, a key source of income, are dying.


The British-based charity Oxfam today launched an appeal for some $ 15 million to help people hit by a severe drought, conflict and high food prices.


Oxfam's East Africa director Paul Smith Lomas spoke with Irene Lagan about the crisis and some of what can be done to alleviate it: