Children's NGO warns of severe hunger in Kenya

8 January 2008, London: Many more Kenyan children will die hungry than have been killed in recent political violence unless urgent action is taken to ensure they have enough to eat, Plan International, the leading children’s NGO, warned today.

Hundreds of thousands of Kenya’s poorest children are at risk of severe malnutrition because of disruption to food supplies caused by the unrest. Many moderately malnourished children living in the worst affected areas are facing acute food shortages, the destruction of farms and the loss of family livelihoods. Fuel shortages and the current absence of a political settlement mean the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.

Plan has been quick to respond to the emergency. With the Kenyan Red Cross, it is preparing to provide emergency relief, including high energy and high protein foods, to 50,000 children and 5,600 pregnant and lactating mothers. Plan will also provide medical assistance, help reunite families separated by the violence and promote reconciliation between children and young people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Tom Miller, Plan chief executive, is available for interview about the crisis. Mr Miller has first-hand experience of Plan’s work in Kenya. Requests for interviews should be made to Jon Slater, Plan press officer, contact details below.

Notes to editors

Plan International is a leading children’s NGO working in 49 developing countries to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. Plan works with more than 3,500,000 families each year throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Contact the Plan press office: +44 7500 066891

Web: www.plan-international.org/news/journalists/