OCHA Situation Report
Ethiopia
10 October 2003


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

MOH AND UNICEF DISTRIBUTE MALARIA DRUGS TO OROMIYA, AMHARA AND SNNPR On 7
October, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and UNICEF started transporting
vitally needed anti-malarial drugs to three regions in the country facing
potentially devastating malaria epidemics. The malarial drugs, valued at
more than $700,000 and procured with funds from the US government, are
being sent to Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP), Amhara
and Oromiya regions. Malaria affects four to five million people annually
in Ethiopia and is prevalent in 75 percent of the country, putting over 40
million people at risk. In many areas of the country, large epidemics have
been experienced in recent years due to climate conditions. Malaria
accounts for seven percent of outpatient visits at hospitals and clinics
and represents the largest single cause of morbidity.


FORMATION OF SEED SECURITY GROUP AND REVIVAL OF LIVESTOCK WORKING GROUP

FAO has initiated the establishment of a national Seed Security
Consultative Group (SSCG), to deal with issues related to seed security,
relief, recovery and sustainable development from a broad technical
perspective. The SSCG will operate under the auspices of the Ministry of
Agriculture and intends to have participation and membership from lead
agencies dealing with seed issues. The first meeting of the SSCG was held
on 25 September 2003 at FAO premises, where 22 experts and officials from
13 organizations attended the meeting.  Participants collectively agreed
on the need for better coordination and a consultation forum. As relief
agencies mostly operate in isolation for seeds, their relief/recovery
implementation approaches are varied and inconsistent. Participants agreed
on the overall proposed goal and strategy of the SSCG: the setting up of
standard approaches and common methodologies in carrying out seed need
assessments and in following harmonized and viable implementation
approaches. Similarly, FAO organized a three-day workshop 30 September - 2
October 2003 aiming at reviewing the livestock emergency interventions
implemented in 2003 and discussing the need to restructure the Livestock
Working Group (LWG). Although there is a general agreement this group
should continue, discussions are ongoing on the most suitable format.


GOOD VEGATATIVE CONDITIONS IN EASTERN PASTORAL AREAS AND EASTERN HIGHLANDS

The impact of the generally good rains in Ethiopia this year will be
better known when results of multi-agency mid-season assessment teams,
currently finalizing their work in the field, are released (expected end
next week). In September, satellite imagery showed that rain in central
and eastern highland areas was below normal even though there was good
rain earlier in the season. Field reports, however, indicate that rain in
September in most highland and midland areas of East and West Hararghe
(the eastern highlands) has been favorable for crop performance while
lowland areas received insufficient rain. For Southern Nations,
Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), the vegetative index indicates
that the vegetative cover is less than normal for September. Most of the
pastoral areas of eastern Ethiopia have shown promising signs of recovery
in recent months with good rains during the current rainy season. In Afar
Region and neighboring Shinile zone in Somali Region the vegetative cover
for September in general is normal for this time of year. However, pockets
of vulnerability remain because of livestock losses and in Shinile Zone
low milk production. Fik zone in Somali Region, which normally also
benefits from some rain during this season, is showing less than normal
vegetation cover. In parts of Jijiga zone, the crop situation is raising
some concern. Southern parts of Somali Region do not receive rain at this
time of year.


MAIN PRE-HARVEST ASSESSMENTS START END OCTOBER

The government-led multi-agency main pre-harvest assessment will begin on
25 October in cropping areas including parts of Somali Region. The
assessment will cover Tigray (2 teams), Amhara (5), Dire Dawa, Harari,
Jijiga and Shinile zones (1), Oromiya (7), SNNPR (3) and Gambella Region,
Keffa, Sheka, and Bench Maji zones of SNNPR (1). Pastoral area assessments
will start on 7 December in southern parts of Somali Region (3 teams),
Borena Zone in Oromiya and South Omo in SNNPR (1). The DPPC has requested
logistics assistance from donors, NGOs and UN agencies.


CRDA PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTARY FOOD TO NGOS FOR DISTRIBUTION

The Christian Relief and Development Association (CRDA) provided over 8750
quintals of Famix (highly nutritious supplementary food) amounting to US$
491,860 to 11 local NGOs for distribution to the affected areas. The fund
for procurement, including transportation and handling costs was donated
by Terre des Hommes /Netherlands. The food will be used in supplementary
feeding programs targeting close to 100,000 people in Oromiya, SNNP, and
Amhara Regions. In addition, CRDA donated 288 quintals of Famix to the
Ethiopia Orthodox Church (EOC/DICAC) for distribution in Maqdela Woreda in
South Wollo zone of Amhara Region.

For further information on UN-OCHA-EUE, please visit their website at
http://www.uneue.org


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