In the fast-paced world of media, headlines often dominate our attention. Events like the latest technological innovation or geopolitical tensions frequently overshadow ongoing humanitarian crises. However, amidst the clamor for breaking news, Africa continues to grapple with forgotten crises that demand global recognition. According to the CARE Report “Breaking the Silence,” the top ten humanitarian crises that received minimal media attention in 2023 were all located in Africa.
The report sheds light on the alarming disparity in media coverage, revealing that over 273,000 articles were published about the iPhone, while just 1,049 articles highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Angola. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need to amplify the voices of those affected by crises. For instance, Angola, ranking number one in the list, witnessed over seven million people enduring the devastating impact of droughts, floods, and hunger, yet remained overlooked by the media.
Beyond Angola, the report unveils the struggles of other African nations like Zambia, where 1.35 million people faced hunger exacerbated by climate change, and Burundi, where nearly 70,000 individuals were displaced due to climate-related disasters. Malnutrition, particularly among children, emerged as a pressing concern in Burundi. These narratives of hardship and resilience underscore the need for a concerted global response to alleviate these crises.
Deepmala Mahla, CARE’s Global Humanitarian Director, emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting that approximately 300 million people worldwide will require humanitarian aid in 2024, with nearly half of them hailing from Africa. The root causes of these crises, including conflicts, economic shocks, extreme weather, poverty, and inequality, demand unwavering attention and adequate funding for humanitarian aid. However, the reality remains grim, with only 35% of the required financial resources being provided for humanitarian aid in the past year.
The list of forgotten crises extends beyond Angola, Zambia, and Burundi, encompassing nations like Senegal, Mauritania, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Each of these countries harbors stories of struggle, resilience, and hope amidst adversity. From the high child mortality rate in the Central African Republic to the maternal mortality rate in Uganda, these crises underscore the urgent need for sustained global solidarity and action.
To compile the report, CARE relied on the expertise of the international media monitoring service Meltwater, which examined five million online articles in multiple languages. Their comprehensive analysis identified the ten crises with the lowest media presence, bringing attention to these underreported humanitarian emergencies. CARE, established in 1945, is committed to combating global poverty and working alongside women and girls to uplift entire communities. Their initiatives have reached millions of people across 111 countries, highlighting the organization’s dedication to addressing complex humanitarian challenges.
As the world grapples with a myriad of pressing issues, it is imperative to heed the voices of those enduring unseen hardships. The “Breaking the Silence” report serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility to amplify neglected stories and mobilize global support for vulnerable communities. Amidst the cacophony of headlines, let us not forget the unheard voices that await our collective action and compassion.
