OCHA Situation Report
Ethiopia
15 January 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ACUTE WATERY DIARRHOEA (AWD): A MAJOR CONCERN IN SOMALI REGION

AWD is posing a major threat to Somali Region with reports of 2,302 
cases and 74 deaths - 3.2 percent Case Fatality Rate. A recent 
MSF-Belgium mission reports that the cases are more severe compared to 
other regions. The situation in Chereti woreda, Afder zone is of major 
concern and requires immediate intervention. Moreover, the situation in 
Kelafo, Mustahil, and East Imi woredas of Gode zone is also worrisome. 
Absence of adequate/appropriate interventions, poor supply of medical 
items and insufficient coordination are further exacerbating the 
situation. In addition, AWD continues to bea threat across the country. 
A total of 51,470 cases with 556 deaths are reported nationwide with 
augmented caseloads in SNNP and Amhara regions in particular. A team 
comprised of FMoH, UNICEFand WHO will be deployed to Amhara and Somali 
regions next week. For more information contact: ocha-eth@un.org & 
msfbet@ethionet.et

RIFT VALLEY FEVER THREATENS ETHIOPIA

Following reports of suspected Rift Valley Fever (RVF) cases from Kenya, 
preventive measures have been established in Ethiopia. A committee 
comprised of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD), 
Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Veterinary Laboratory Department, 
FAO, USAID and WHO established on 27 December is preparing appropriate 
prevention and response. The committee is led by MoARD. In late December 
2006, MoARD conducted a rapid assessment in regions bordering Kenya and 
the report is being finalized. Preliminary results, however, indicate no 
cases to date in Ethiopia even from high risk areas such as Moyale zone. 
WHO and FAO, in collaboration with the Government and international 
partners, are closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, an assessment 
mission comprised of FMoH, Water Resource Ministry, UNICEF and WHO, has 
been deployed to Somali Region from 15 to 21 January 2007. RVF is an 
acute fever-causing viral disease that affects domestic animals and 
humans. RVF is most commonly associated with mosquito-borne epidemics 
during years of unusually heavy rainfall. For more information contact: 
who-wro@et.afro.who.int or fao-ethiopia@fao.org

HUMANITARIAN FINANCING WORKSHOP IN ADDIS ABABA

OCHA Ethiopia, in collaboration with the OCHA New York Evaluation and 
Studies Section, hosted an Africa regional Humanitarian Financing 
Workshop at the Sheraton Hotel on 9 and 10 January, bringing together 
humanitarian partners and donors various countries.  The workshop aimed 
to bring a broader, more coherent vision for the future of humanitarian 
financing. The ideal role, function, and governance for numerous 
financing mechanisms - including the Emergency Response Funds, Pooled 
Funds, and CERF - were debated. The linkage between these funds and the 
humanitarian reform process was also elaborated. Attendants committed to 
follow-through on the recommendations, and to give inputs to a 
comprehensive report highlighting the major outcomes and 
recommendations. For more information contact: ocha-eth@un.org

UNICEF APPEALS TO DONORS

According to the latest Donor Update issued by UNICEF, over US$ 6.4 
million is urgently needed to carry out life-saving programmes for 
flood-affected children and women and to prevent and cure further cases 
of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) over the next three months. UNICEF 
thanked donors for their generous contributions to its response to the 
2006 Joint Humanitarian Appeal for Ethiopia in the Health & Nutrition 
and Water and Sanitation sectors. Moreover, contributions were also 
received by UNICEF towards non-appeal sectors such as Education, 
HIV/AIDS and Child Protection. Approximately, 59 percent of the funding 
requirements of US$ 34.6 million have been provided through donors' 
contributions. For further information contact: mapted@unicef.org

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Appropriate Donations for International Disaster/Humanitarian Needs
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Center for International              web: www.cidi.org
    Disaster Information          listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm
                                guidelines: www.cidi.org/donate.htm
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