One of the worst droughts in generations decimated crops and livestock across East Africa in March 2017. The needs were huge: 23 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan were left in urgent need of food, water and medical treatment. Some 2.9 million people in Somalia and 5.6 million in Ethiopia required urgent food assistance, along with 2.6 million in Kenya. In South Sudan, ongoing conflict exasperated the situation.

Rates of malnutrition soared, with more than 300,000 children in need of treatment in 2017 in Ethiopia alone.

Limited access to sanitation increased the risk of communicable diseases, such as cholera. Large numbers of people were forced to migrate in search of food and water, more than 250,000 people in Somalia and thousands more in Ethiopia and Kenya were forced to leave their homes. Families were separated, with women and children in particular more vulnerable to abuse and violence

As a result, more than 636,000 people gained access to safe drinking water, 52,000 children were treated for acute malnutrition and 15,300 received school meals for a term which allowed them to continue with their education.

Families received seeds and tools to help them restore their livelihoods and 30,700 people now have access to new or restored toilets, ensuring better conditions for them and their families into the future.

When Elema’s livestock died and her crops were bad, she and her family faced hunger and malnutrition. She received food assistance through DEC member Age International and was put on a malnutrition programme. Elema said: "The support helped us a lot. We have nothing to rely on. I was measured and found to be malnourished, so I received the food and now I am gaining weight.”