Chad ‘on the brink’ of famine

Aid groups say African country’s humanitarian crisis could turn into a catastrophe.

chad

The West African nation of Chad is on the verge of a famine, according to multiple international aid agencies.

Drought, conflict and an influx of refugees have all contributed to a chronic food shortage that has affected about two million people – one fifth of the country’s population.

More than eight per cent of infants do not survive their first year because of malnutrition and about 20 per cent die before reaching the age of five.

Aid groups have said the humanitarian crisis could assume catastrophic proportions if food relief from abroad does not come to the rescue soon.

Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra reports from N’Djamena, the capital of Chad.

Source: Al Jazeera