International relief and development agencies of Australian Churches are working together to promote an
emergency appeal for people devastated by drought, HIV/AIDS and internal conflict in Africa.
AngliCORD, NCCA Christian World Service, Churches of Christ Overseas Aid (COCOA) and Uniting
Church Overseas Aid (UCOA) have launched an appeal to support those affected in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Sunday 16 October 2005 is World Food Day. As this year is the 25th anniversary of World Food Day,
supporters are encouraged to consider giving at least $25 to the appeal.
Food shortages are at critical levels in an increasing number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. While
the focus of the latest joint appeal is on Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ethiopia, each agency is able to direct
support in response to emergencies across the continent through the ACT International alliance and local
partner churches.
To make a tax deductible donation:
AngliCORD: 1800 249 800 or www.anglicord.org.au
Christian World Service: 1800 025 101 or http://www.actforpeace.org.au
Uniting Church Overseas Aid: 1800 998 122 or www.overseasaid.org
Churches of Christ Overseas Aid: 08 8212 4446 or www.omb.org.au
Details of the appeal are available on each of the agencies' websites.
BACKGROUND:
Food shortages and humanitarian problems in Zimbabwe have been greatly exacerbated by the
implementation of Operation Murambatsvina. The UN estimates that 700,000 Zimbabweans (including
225,000 children) were left homeless and destitute following this recent operation by the government.
AngliCORD, Christian World Service, COCOA and UCOA, along with 4 other Australian Church
development agencies, recently wrote to President Mugabe setting out their concerns. These agencies
will continue to do what they can to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe.
In Ethiopia 8-10 million people are at risk of malnutrition. This is the fifth major drought in Ethiopia in just
two decades. In addition, a late start to the government's program to provide multi-year support to more
than 5 million chronically food-insecure people and inadequate resources to provide food and non-food
assistance to 3.8 million people have combined to create an alarming situation.
Zambian maize production is below previous levels because of prolonged dry spells, especially in the
major producing areas in the south, central and parts of the eastern provinces. Almost 50% of Zambia's
population is undernourished.
For details of other African humanitarian emergencies, visit ACT International: www.act-intl.org.
For media comment:
Alistair Gee (Director of NCCA Christian World Service): 0417 672 650
