By CHIOMA OBINNA
UNICEF and partners race to prevent second wave of death in the Horn of Africa, barely 100 days since famine was declared in parts of southern Somalia.

The are  doing their utmost to prevent a second and potentially more devastating wave of deaths from disease against a background of conflict.

According to UNICEF’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Elhadj As Sy. “The current rains will bring some relief to drought-affected areas in Somalia and neighbouring countries. They however also increase the risk of disease outbreaks and hamper the distribution of aid,”

“Escalating fighting across the South of Somalia is also making it even more difficult for our partners to safely deliver life_saving support to children and their families.”

As Sy said these factors could aggravate the humanitarian crisis in Somalia and the region. “UNICEF will expand its efforts to reach children wherever they are and minimise the impact of the deteriorating situation. We appeal to our donors to ramp up their invaluable support,” he added.

Meanwhile, UNICEF and WHO- supported measles vaccination campaign commenced last week in Mogadishu, for 750,000 children between six months and 15 years old. Since the declaration of famine in July, more than 1 million children have been vaccinated against measles in Somalia.