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Clay Aiken Uses His Powerful Voice to Speak Out About the Somalian Crisis for UNICEF

Posted on Jul 22nd 2011 5:30PM by Contessa Gayles
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Clay AikenUNICEF

When he's not busy belting out tunes, Clay Aiken is using his voice to speak on behalf of The United Nations Children's Fund as an ambassador for the organization. The 'American Idol' alumnus-turned-activist is particularly passionate about the humanitarian crisis in Somalia.

As the African country is in the midst of a two-decade, ongoing civil war, Clay talks about his work with UNICEF in Somalia in an exclusive Q&A with AOL Music and shares a new PSA video telling you how you can help.

Clay Aiken UNICEF

There are countless humanitarian crises all over the world, why did you choose to focus your efforts specifically on Somalia?

When I traveled to Somalia in 2008 with UNICEF, I realized that the people living there were already in dire need for basic life necessities and have been for many years. I had met with a doctor there who was describing that the lack of medical resources is so scarce that he was concerned what would happen to the children in the country if he died.

Now, as high food prices, prolonged drought, and the conflict in Somalia are worsening, the people in the Horn of Africa need our help. More than two million young children are seriously malnourished, with nearly 800,000 children at risk of death that require immediate life-saving attention to survive.

Besides raising awareness of the crisis in Somalia, what are you hoping will come of your work with UNICEF?

I've been a UNICEF Ambassador since 2004 and I wanted to be a part of the organization because they are making tremendous progress to save children's lives with programs in over 150 countries around the world. They have been working in the Horn of Africa for decades well before this current drought, making UNICEF better prepared to handle any humanitarian crisis.

They are one of the largest suppliers of ready-to-use therapeutic foods, which is what these severely malnourished children need to survive. While visiting Somalia, I saw UNICEF's work first-hand on the ground providing children with the clean water, nutrition, and health care they deserve. When I left, I felt confident that they were the experts who can make THE difference.

Watch UNICEF PSA Video



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July 26 2011 at 6:37 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Rita Hovermale

I want to THANK AOL for reminding everyone that the children in Somalia are in desperate need, & that Clay Aiken has been an ambassador for UNICEF, working on behalf of Somalian children & children all over the world!!! He visited Somalia a few years ago, & worked tirelessly to bring attention to the the plight of children in that part of the world. We all get so caught up in our own struggles that we often forget how blessed we are & how much good we could do by donating even 5 or 10$. Thousandsof children in other parts of the world. would benefit!
I, too, became a supporter of UNICEF because of Clay's commitment to their cause.

July 23 2011 at 9:11 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
iammesmerized1

Clay Aiken is a wonderful ambassador for Unicef. Thank you AOL for teaming up with them in this great cause.

July 23 2011 at 3:29 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
boots

Thank you for this article helping Clay bring attention to this dire situation.
I have been donating to Unicef even before Clay's involvement.
It warmed my heart when I learned of Clay's commitment to the organization and their work.
I trust Unicef to get the aid to where it has to be.
Please donate as much as you can. Every little bit helps.

July 23 2011 at 2:37 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
jcdramey

Thank you for this article and the PSA. Thanks to UNICEF and ambassadors like Clay Aiken for making everyone aware of the situation in Somalia.

July 23 2011 at 12:18 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Deb Totino Vesecky

Thank you for the great article regarding Somalia. It is so interesting to see all that Clay AIken has opened my eyes to regarding the world around me.

July 23 2011 at 12:12 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Sasha

Thank you for this article of UNICEF's 10 Days for $10. I appreciate the work Clay Aiken is doing with UNICEF to provide assistance for children in need. Clay Aiken indeed is a strong voice and spokesman for children around the world.

July 23 2011 at 12:11 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Rhoda Walsh

Thanks for the wonderful article. I SO appreciate all that you are doing for the distressed children in the world. I became aware of your work thru Clay Aiken, and continue to donate whenever he alerts us to the need.

July 23 2011 at 11:59 AM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
skyebleu

I became a supporter of UNICEF through Clay Aiken and his work with them. They are supporters of children and provide the safety net they need.

July 23 2011 at 11:10 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
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