Mobilizing Internationally for Somalia

Famines are rare, but severe drought, food shortages, and sky-rocketing food prices have plunged Somalia into a crisis that puts millions of human lives at risk of starvation.  Young children are especially vulnerable .

It's estimated that 11.3 million people need humanitarian aid as food prices grow and supply dwindles in the drought-ridden region where Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya meet, the Associated Press reports.

Here are some organizations stepping up to provide emergency relief:

• UNHCR seeks $136.3 million in aid and suggests donations such as $7, for therapeutic food for a malnourished child.
• The British Red Cross and The Kenya Red Cross will accept donations online or through mail to first mitigate the crisis and see the people through restoring their livelihoods.
• The World Food Programme is appealing for $342 million to feed 11.3 million people in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. The organization plans to airlift operations to distribute high energy biscuits and nutritious supplementary foods.
• Oxfam, in conjunction with Save The Children, is making appeals for $144 million. Any amount is welcome, but the Oxfam site suggests $50 to provide 200 people a day's supply of clean water or $100 to feed a family of six more than two weeks.
• The International Rescue Committee is accepting donations that will provide medical screenings, expand water-supply systems and offer help for pregnant women.
• The ELCA World Hunger Relief is accepting donations to provide immediate aid to refugee camps in the Horn of Africa. 100% of donations will be used for regional relief, including filling a food distribution gap by providing enriched porridge to children and the elderly who are too weak to eat dry food.
• Action Aid will help deliver emergency supplies of food and water, and provide support, ensuring people don't become reliant on food aid.
• The U.N. Children's Fund is tackling crisis conditions faced by 2 million currently malnourished children.
• International Medical Corps' is accepting donations as it ships food and oil to four refugee camps. The Corps will also construct additional latrines and bathing areas.