Much too much time has already been lost. In mid-2004 we already saw the first signs of a serious drought.

Because food reserves have run out and mothers can no longer afford to feed their children, many decide that the only way out is to 'go to the street'. Many times, the girls are as young as twelve.

The government needs to have a strategy to feed the most vulnerable people. It is not enough to provide ART without the proper nutrition.

We are torn about helping HIV-positive people when the general population is also starving.

Many people are weakened by hunger. They can no longer walk long distances to fetch water. They often become desperate and drink dirty water, which leads to sickness and death.

If we now act quickly, it will still be possible to save many lives. If the drought victims receive assistance in time, many of them will be able to help themselves.