Burkina Faso suffered three consecutive shocks during the 2007/2008 agricultural campaign: A late, erratic rainy season that ended early was compounded by flash floods, compromising agricultural production. At the same time, global trends increased fuel and food prices and also resulted in civil unrest. All three factors adversely affected food security in the country and compounded a pre-existing pattern of rising chronic and acute malnutrition.
Save the Children responded to the nutrition crisis through funding from the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) to provide care for severely and moderately malnourished children. The project benefited 4,964 people in its first phase – 4,230 children and 734 staff and volunteers who were trained in the identification and treatment of malnourished children. The project continues in 2009 for a second phase.
On September 1st, 2009, Burkina Faso was again hit by heavy rains which caused major flash flooding. Save the Children has doubled up on its efforts in Burkina Faso to help those effected by the floods. According to latest estimates, 93,000 people have been made homeless by the latest flooding. Sanitation, protection and health are primary concerns. The government is attempting to move displaced people to new sites in time for the start of the school year.
Save the Children is focusing its initial efforts on the district of Bogodogo where 1,333 families are displaced across 18 sites. Save the children is distributing important hygiene items such as soap, sleeping mats, buckets and blankets in an effort to keep those who have been displaced healthy. Save the Children is also working with its partners to ensure that children's educational and day-to-day needs are met.
