Relief Funds in Africa Misspent, CARE Reports

Much of the $5.6-billion in aid spent to help Africans from going hungry is wasted, leading to food shortages and possible starvation for millions, according to CARE International UK, The Associated Press reports.

CARE said in a new report that aid often arrives late and does little to fix the root cause of hunger, among other criticisms.

“It is a disgrace that money is still given too late and for such short periods, then spent on the wrong things to truly fight emergencies,” said Geoffrey Dennis, the organization’s chief executive. “There is no excuse, when by spending money more intelligently, we can bring an end to all but the most unpredictable food crises.”