Healthy U joins the UNHCR LuQuLuQu Tribe

Healthy U, a chain of health food stores, joins the UN Refugee Agency’s LuQuLuQu Tribe a campaign that addresses forced displacement in Africa which currently hosts a third of the world’s displaced – a situation compounded by budgetary needs of over 2 billion USD. The partnership strives to raise funds, garner support and re-shape the common misconception of the African refugee by inviting individuals to take ownership of the refugee cause in Africa, in accordance with African philosophy of “Ujamaa” – collective caring, sharing and looking after one another.

Healthy U is demonstrating its commitment to help provide life-saving support to refugee families in sub-Saharan Africa with an initial donation of KES 2.5 million.

This is a welcomed partnership from Kenya’s private sector. We are most pleased that Healthy U has taken the initiative to support UNHCR’s operations that provide life-saving services, such as shelter and health care, for families compelled to flee from their homes,” said Raouf Mazou, UNHCR Representative in Kenya.

Healthy U with presence in Kenya, and Uganda - a country that currently hosts over 1.4 million refugees - has responded to the call for active participation from businesses in Africa to help provide basic needs to refugees and their host communities in the region. 

“In the face of increased forced displacement we are joining UNHCR’s LuQuLuQu tribe, bearing in mind our responsibility of collective caring, embedded in African culture. Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our kin and kind within the refugee community as part of the wider social fabric of our own communities, and families. Healthy U believes health and wellness includes caring for one another,” explains Avni Rach, Managing Director, Healthy U.

Forced displacement in Africa has reached a critical stage. Currently sub-Saharan Africa hosts more than 30 per cent of the 65.6 million people in the world who have had to flee their homes and find safety in neighbouring countries. UNHCR is struggling to keep pace with the growing needs in these humanitarian emergencies and welcomes the support of the private sector, in not only raising funds but also in helping raise the region’s collective consciousness in addressing forced displacement.