Nothing kills like hunger
It’s almost impossible to imagine living in a conflict zone – surrounded by destruction and devastation, the terror of explosions and gunfire, the low rumble of tanks in deserted villages. And the sense of fear around every corner.
In countries all across the world, children are living in the heart of conflict, hiding from the constant threat of violence. But tragically, the most deadly danger is one that no one can see, and no one can hear. It creeps up unannounced. And it’s impossible to run from.
Because when conflict strikes, hunger is often close behind. And for children living in conflict zones, hunger is more deadly than bullets and bombs.
Will you help children survive?
Alain and Christian's story
Alain Joseph is a farmer and father living in the Bossembélé region of the western Central African Republic. He was successful farmer – he earned a good income selling his crops at the markets, he sent his children to school and was building a new home in his village. Then one day, everything changed. News reached his community that armed groups were approaching. Alain picked up his 19-month-old son, Christian, and ran for life with the rest of his young family into the bush.
“We stayed there for three months trying to survive. I was with my brother and his wife and others. We were terrified… it was a very scary experience.
Torrential rains destroyed the few possessions they’d saved as they fled. And, with no shelter and nothing to eat but foraged cassava roots, they waited, desperately hoping the danger would pass. But the hunger that crept into their camp soon had its grip on Christian, who after being taken by his father to a Concern-supported nutrition centre, was diagnosed with severe malnutrition, and immediately put on a course of therapeutic food.
“Before, when my child was sick, it was a great worry for me. After a few months of treatment, he started to get better and it was a great relief.”
A gift from you today could…
Conflict and fear are putting more children in danger of severe malnutrition every day. Parents like Alain risk their lives to try and find food, returning to their land to farm what little has survived, but right now the lack of nutritious food is critical.
The work of our brave and dedicated teams in the rural Central African Republic is incredible, yet despite all their efforts, these teams simply don’t have enough supplies to treat the vast number of children now suffering from malnutrition.
So please, if you’re able, give a gift today to help children fight deadly hunger.
