Somalina Posted August 17, 2011 UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has become the first British cabinet minister to visit Somalia's war-torn capital in 18 years. Mr Mitchell warned of a race against time to tackle the "devastating famine" in the country and said without action 400,000 children could starve to death. Two weeks ago, Islamist rebels pulled out of Mogadishu, but conflict has hampered aid efforts in the country. Mr Mitchell pledged a £25m aid package, including food and medicine. The UN estimates that 12 million people have been affected by drought in the region, and has declared a famine in parts of Somalia. Mr Mitchell, who has now left Mogadishu, said: "The stark fact is that in southern Somalia the situation is deteriorating by the day. We could face deaths on a similar scale to those seen in 1991-2 if we do not act urgently now. This is a race against time." The Department for International Development said the lack of health care, immunisation, clean water and sanitation were fuelling outbreaks of diseases including cholera and measles. "Urgent action" was needed to provide food and combat disease to prevent deaths. Mr Mitchell said there would be new UK support for UNICEF - the UN organisation for children - to help provide supplementary rations for up to 192,000 people and supplies to vaccinate 800,000 children against measles. The aid package would also help UNICEF provide polio vaccines, vitamin A, and deworming supplies and equipment to help prevent malaria. The cabinet minister said more security was needed to protect humanitarian workers - and said other countries "must also maintain and increase their support at this crucial stage". During the trip he visited a refugee camp and feeding centre and met officials including Somali prime minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, who last week announced a force of 300 men had been created to protect aid convoys - helped by African peacekeepers providing security in Mogadishu. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
