Lifeline: ForAfrika delivers food parcels to those who need it most
When a measles outbreak threatened hungry families, ForAfrika was quick to respond
Whereas many areas of Angola are experiencing the worst drought in 40 years, Kachisekelele village, in the municipality of Ganda, suffered excessive rainfall during the early months of this year. Crops, especially the staple cereals and tubers, were devastated leaving most of the population desperate for food.
In April, the situation worsened when the village was struck by an outbreak of measles that affected both children and adults. Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease that can lead to severe complications and death.
According to the World Health Organisation, complications from the disease are most common in children under five years and adults over age 30. They are more likely in children who are malnourished, especially those without enough vitamin A or with a weak immune system. “Measles itself also weakens the immune system and can make the body ‘forget’ how to protect itself against infections, leaving children extremely vulnerable.”
Emergency measures
The dire conditions prompted the government to establish an emergency field hospital to manage the combined impact of illness and hunger. Unfortunately, at least 15 people died in Kachisekelele.
By May, the urgent call for assistance reached the Benguela Provincial Health Directorate and the offices of ForAfrika. In response, a joint team was dispatched to assess the situation and we discovered numerous families without any food reserves. ForAfrika immediately arranged for 4 metric tons of fortified rice to be delivered to families.
“The arrival of the ForAfrika lorry, loaded with boxes of MannaPack Rice, was met with overwhelming joy by the community. Some family members even arrived the night before to ensure they didn’t miss the distribution of food,” says Ailton Muchave, ForAfrika’s country director.
Community and government leaders have implored ForAfrika not to abandon Kachisekelele village. The World Food Programme has warned that 1.5-million people in Angola will be dependent on humanitarian aid by 2025.
