Well-known singer helps draw attention to East Africa emergency

Chart-topping Scottish singer, Sandi Thom, helped Oxfam Scotland erect an 11,000-litre water tank, of the kind used by Oxfam in emergencies, to illustrate the need for Scots to donate in response to the developing crisis in East Africa.

The singer-songwriter, who reached number 1 with 'I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker, (With Flowers in my Hair)', joined Oxfam workers in George Square in Glasgow to erect the tank to show what donations made in Scotland can buy in East Africa. A selection of photographs taken by leading photographer, Nick Danziger, will be on display on the sides of the tank to give the public an idea of the severity of the crisis.

The public can support Oxfam's work across East Africa by making a donation either online at www.oxfam.org.uk, by phone on 0300 200 1300, at any Oxfam shop or by post to Oxfam Scotland, 207 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HZ.

Speaking in Glasgow Sandi Thom said: "I am asking everyone to give their support to Oxfam's work in East Africa. The water tank we have built today gives people an idea of where their money goes and how Oxfam responds in an emergency.

"Drought and rising food prices are some of the main causes that are propelling millions of people in East Africa towards severe hunger and destitution. The work that Oxfam is doing in East Africa is essential and sadly necessary. People should support Oxfam's work in trying to help people who desperately need it."

Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, added: "The situation in East Africa is dire, with colleagues witnessing heartbreaking situations where severely malnourished children are struggling to survive. Oxfam is there and responding to the situation, but we urgently need funds to help increase emergency response across the affected countries of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and northern Kenya."

A toxic cocktail of factors, including successive droughts, violent conflict and chronic poverty, has put an estimated 9 to 13 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance across East Africa. This situation has been compounded by rapidly rising food prices.

• In Somalia, 2.6 million, some 35 percent of the population, require emergency assistance. This could increase to half the population of the country (3.5 million) by the end of 2008. Between 18 and 24 percent of children are acutely malnourished
• In Ethiopia, the government estimates 4.6 million people are now in need of emergency food assistance. This has more than doubled from 2.2 million in need of help at the beginning of this year. Some 75,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition in drought stricken areas according to the government



In Turkana, northern Kenya, an Oxfam survey showed that 25 percent of children are suffering from acute malnutrition, the highest in the country.

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