AidExpertsDiscussTopStrategiesforBuilding DroughtResilienceintheHornofAfrica

FORIMMEDIATERELEASE JUNE6,2012 CONTACT:MELISSAPRICE 5713661596 PRESS@IRDDC.ORG ARLINGTON, VA Global development experts, including International Relief and Development Director of Relief Adam Koons, will be discussing top strategies for fighting drought in the Horn of Africa at this years Annual Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) in Washington, D.C. They will examine the link between emergency relief operations and longer-term resiliency programs, address the challenges faced in such large-scale relief operations, and consider lessons learned from previous programs in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya and how those lessons might be applied in West Africa as well.

Nations in the Horn of Africa recently emerged from the most severe drought in 60 years. While the most critical phase of the drought is over, there is a lasting need for long-term solutions to prevent future crises. IRD is working with several private sector partners to address long-term water needs through the construction of water storage facilities. IRD also provides hygiene and sanitation training, an important program component that addresses cultural and behavioral activities that might compromise a new source of clean water.
The AIDF Lessons from the Horn of Africa: Preventing Future Crisis panel will take place on June 7 from 3:15 PM 4:30 PM at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. AIDF is the worlds leading forum for the humanitarian aid, relief, and development sectors. The forum encourages partnerships and the sharing of information among decision makers from the UN, government, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and the corporate sector. To schedule an interview with IRDs Director of Relief Adam Koons or to learn more about IRDs activities in the Horn of Africa, contact Melissa Price at mprice@ird-dc.org or 571-366-1596.

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IRD is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization responsible for implementing relief, stabilization, and development programs worldwide. IRD's mission is to reduce the suffering of the world's most vulnerable groups and provide the tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. Specializing in meeting the needs of communities emerging from conflict or natural disaster, IRD partners with donors, local organizations, and many others to deliver sustainable services in agriculture, governance, health, and infrastructure.

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INTERNATIONALRELIEF&DEVELOPMENT |1621NORTHKENTSTREET,4THFLOOR|ARLINGTON, VA22209 T 703.248.0161 |F 703.248.0194 |WWW.IRD.ORG