OCHA Situation Report
Ethiopia
23 April 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

AWD UPDATE

A total of 551 Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) cases and four deaths have 
been reported nationwide this week. Areas that continue to be of concern 
due to ongoing cases include Bale and Borena zones in Oromiya Region and 
Gedeo zone, SNNP Region. In addition, there are reports of renewed 
outbreaks in Korahe and Liben zones, Somali Region. The disease has also 
reemerged in Amhara Region where it was previously contained a few 
months ago. WHO visited SNNPR last week to assist the Regional Health 
Bureau in identifying gaps and priority actions in emergency response 
and preparedness for AWD. Preliminary findings indicate that while AWD 
has been successfully contained in many kebeles, new kebeles continue to 
be affected particularly in Gedeo zone which borders Oromiya Region. 
Areas affected have no access to safe water supply and are located along 
rivers that are used as the primary source of drinking water. WHO in 
consultation with regional health officials has recommended training and 
relocation of health staff to address human resource shortages, 
increased provision of water purification products and community 
education in the affected areas.  For more information contact: 
who-wro@et.afro.who.int

CERF GLOBAL REVIEW TEAM TO VISIT ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia has been selected as one of the countries to participate in the 
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Global Review being conducted 
under the auspices of the Evaluation and Studies Section of OCHA NY. The 
purpose of the review is to assess the role of the CERF in ensuring 
effective, timely, equitable and accountable humanitarian response that 
complements other available funding mechanisms. An international 
consultant hired by CIDA will meet with various stakeholders (including 
NGOs, UN agencies, and government) to review the management process, 
operational aspects, and results of CERF funding in Ethiopia. Agencies 
interested in meeting with the consultant are encouraged to contact: 
ocha-eth@un.org

VERIFICATION ASSESSMENT TEAMS TO DEBRIEF ON THEIR FINDINGS

Verification assessment teams that were deployed in Somali and Gambella 
Regions are expected to debrief the DPPA-led Monitoring Sub-Group on 
Tuesday 24th April. The teams verified requests by the regions for 
emergency assistance in line with the new approach to emergency response 
outlined in the Humanitarian Appeal. The Somali assessment was the first 
team to field test the new rapid assessment methodology tools developed 
by the Methodology sub-group of the DPPA-led Early Warning Taskforce. 
Their inputs and feedback will be used to further develop the rapid 
assessment tools. Similar assessments are currently being conducted in 
Oromiya and SNNP Regions. The teams are expected to complete their 
mission next week. Meanwhile, the joint DPPB ? ZOA Refugee Care 
assessment of the conflict situation in Jor woreda, Gambella found 
widespread displacement and continued fear of Murle attacks among the 
civilian population. For more information contact: ocha-eth@un.org and 
zoa.ethiopia@ethionet.et

FLOODING MITIGATION EFFORTS ONGOING

In response to the ongoing risk of flooding, the DPPA has reactivated 
its Flood Early Warning Taskforce. Furthermore, over seventy 
representatives from government, NGOs and UN agencies will meet in Dire 
Dawa this week for a two day consultation workshop organized by the 
Millennium office of the Dire Dawa Provisional Administration in 
partnership with CRS, CORDAID, Forum for Environment and ECC-SDCOH. The 
workshop entitled "Flood Risk Mitigation for a Better Dire Dawa" aims to 
draft an action plan for flood mitigation in the city and surrounding 
areas. For more information contact: crs@telecom.net.et

UNFPA CONTINUES TO ADDRESS GENDER IN EMERGENCIES

UNFPA has released a report on a gender-based violence (GBV) assessment 
conducted in Shimelba and Kebri Beyah refugee camps from 19 February to 
6 March 2007. Using the IASC "Guidelines for GBV Interventions in 
Humanitarian Settings", the objectives were to assess the level of GBV 
interventions in the two camps and to develop an operational action plan 
to fill potential gaps. Identified key activities include improvements 
to coordination, the health & psychosocial services support for 
survivors, the legal system and the safety and security of women and 
girls. In addition, UNPFA has signed an agreement with International 
Rescue Committee (IRC) to fund a one year Integrated HIV/AIDS & 
Reproductive Health Program for Sudanese refugees in the Sherkole 
refugee camp. The objective of the project is to improve knowledge, 
attitudes and practices on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health for over 
14,000 refugees and approximately 14,000 people living in the 
surrounding host communities.  For more information, contact 
arrault@unfpa.org

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