8th AFRIMA in Senegal partners UNFPA, seeks support to end humanitarian crisis in Somalia

TDW|DAKAR: In line with its philosophy and character as an impact-driven social initiative, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has lent its voice to the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn African country of Somalia.

The 62-year-old democratic nation located in the Horn of Africa has been beset by civil wars and security challenges for the past three decades, plunging its most vulnerable populations, especially women and young girls, into a nightmare of untold hardship.

Partnering in the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) advocacy and humanitarian efforts, AFRIMA urges political stakeholders and influencers to show support for UNFPA’s aid efforts in Somalia.

As the much-anticipated 8th AFRIMA, tagged the ‘Teranga Edition’ draws near, AFRIMA has launched the #HopeForSomalia campaign, with policy initiatives to help mitigate the harsh impact of the crisis on Somalian people, especially Somali women. – Including supporting impromptu petitions and promoting fundraising. and young girls. The Teranga edition is scheduled to be held in Dakar, Senegal from January 12 to 15, 2023.

Commenting on the situation, Mr. Mike Dada, Executive Producer/President of AFRIMA, said: “Like the situation in Somalia, a popular narrative about Africa is that it is a war-torn abode with no hope of lasting peace Is. It’s sad; Because the danger of that narrative is that it discourages real solutions. Somalia has enjoyed peace over the years and even holds the reputation of being one of the most democratic societies in Africa. We cannot watch or fold our arms as innocent women, children and Somalis alike cut short their lives and dreams from conflict, terrorism or this climate crisis without any aid or relief.

“At Afrima, we follow the ethos of family. We are one Africa, and whatever burden Somalia must bear on the rest of the continent. We are committed to ensuring that we deliver the long-awaited peace-restoration, Help contribute to famine prevention and drought-rehabilitation efforts. We thank our partners, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for their great work in Somalia and for drawing our attention to this. See What is particularly shocking is how much these women and girls are suffering, and how high the maternal mortality rate is as an effect of this war. We are confident that Africa will once again emerge as a culturally progressive, innovative and peace-loving continent. I will return to my position.

Commenting on the development, UNFPA Representative in Somalia, Niyi Ojuolape said that women and girls were the worst hit by the crisis, urging support to end this dire situation and ameliorate the impact.

He said: “Somalia is facing a complex and devastating crisis. The country has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. Displacements caused by conflict and drought have already contributed to limited sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and are increasing pressure on weak health systems. Lack of nutrition and access to health care contribute to the poor health of women and girls. Pregnant and lactating women, in particular, are at risk of malnutrition on pregnancy outcomes and newborn survival are at risk due to the negative effects of

“Over 82 per cent of those displaced are women and children, including 1.95 million women and girls of reproductive age. It is estimated that there will be 918 deliveries per day in the next three months, with 15 per cent of pregnant women facing complications. Without access to qualified birth attendants, health services and facilities, maternal and neonatal mortality will increase further.

“Rising food prices, water scarcity, livestock deaths, and loss of livelihoods have led to multiple displacements, leading to an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation of women and girls. The data shows that there has been a 21 percent increase in rape cases, a 60 percent increase in intimate partner violence cases, and a 20 percent increase in the number of women and girls accessing life-saving GBV response services since last year. The percentage has increased.

Ojuolape urged the international donor community to “urgently prioritize support of quality SRH services and GBV prevention and response to help prevent death, disease and disability for women and girls in Somalia, so that long-term development and peace can be achieved”. Can help you get it. country.

In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is the pinnacle of African music globally.