OCHA Situation Report
Ethiopia
14 May 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

AWD UPDATE

Although the Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) case fatality rate remains 
relatively low ? 1.2% ?cases continue to be reported in 62 woredas out 
of the total 192 affected woredas. Cases are reported mostly from Bale, 
Borena and East Hararge zones in Oromiya Region; Gedeo Zone in SNNPR; 
Zone 1 and 3 Afar Region and in Harari and Somali Regions. In Somali 
Region, out of the 27 woredas affected 14 continue to report cases; as 
of the first week of May 6,287 cases with 155 deaths - 2.5% CFR ? were 
reported. WHO is facilitating the re-activation of AWD regional 
coordination forum in Somali and Harari Regions. Inadequate water and 
sanitation facilities, environmental health and behavior change are 
among the major challenges to combating the disease.  In Oromiya, the 
Regional Health Bureau funded by WHO trained 150 health workers on 
surveillance and AWD case management. For more information contact: 
who-wro@et.afro.who.int

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REQUESTED ? GAMBELLA REGION

The Gambella Regional Government has requested assistance for the 
population affected by both conflict and flooding in six woredas. The 
requested assistance includes food and non-food items; animal and human 
health intervention; seed support; WES and logistics. OCHA is following 
up with the Regional Government, DPPA and partners on the ground in 
identifying priority needs. For more information contact: 
ocha-eth@un.org

SUSPECTED MENINGITIS CASES IN SNNPR

Suspected meningitis cases were reported from Oida woreda, Gamo-Goffa 
zone in SNNPR. Between 11 and 24 April, a total of 46 suspected cases 
and 2 deaths were reported.  Laboratory examination of specimens taken 
from two patients during a case report investigation conducted by the 
Regional Health Bureau and WHO confirmed Cerebro spinal meningitis. In 
an effort to combat the disease, on-the-job training in case management 
and prevention measures was conducted for health professionals. In 
addition, public health education is underway. For more information 
contact: who-wro@et.afro.who.int

CARE SITUATION UPDATE

CARE's monthly report for April and recent WFP field reports indicate 
deteriorating food security situation in midland and highland areas of 
East and West Hararghe zones, Oromiya Region. Consequently, many farmers 
are migrating to neighboring areas in search of labor. Under-five child 
malnutrition is also reported in pocket areas of Doba woreda, West 
Hararghe zone and Kurfachelle woreda, East Hararghe zone. Moreover food 
prices have remained high in most reporting areas including Oromiya and 
Afar regions. In addition, there is a shortage of seed particularly for 
short cycle crops in East Hararghe zone. For more information contact: 
care.eth@ethionet.et

BELOW AVERAGE BELG CROP PRODUCTION PROSPECT

Crop production prospects are below average for most of the belg 
producing areas following poor performance of the rains. The main 
contributing factors include prolonged dry spells coupled with delayed 
onset of the rains particularly in Oromiya and SNNP regions. On the 
other hand, during the first half of April, heavy rainfall caused flash 
flooding in pocket areas of Oromiya and Somali regions damaging crops in 
Kurfachele, Girawa, Melkabelo and Chenaksen woreads of East Hararghe 
zone, and Mirab Abaya and Uba Debretsehai woredas of Gamo Gofa zone in 
Oromiya Region. Mustahil, Ferfer and Kelafo woredas of Gode zone in 
Somali Region, however, experienced moderate flooding which has 
reportedly beneficial for planting. For more information contact: 
wfp.addisababa@wfp.org

RELIEF FOOD ALLOCATION

The Federal Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Agency (DPPA) has 
allocated 1,808 tonnes of relief food to Gambella, Oromiya, SNNP, 
Beneshangul Gumuz, Harari and Dire Dawa Regions. The allocation includes 
346.5 tonnes of food to Dire Dawa; 4.9 tonnes to Asosa woreda in 
Beneshangul Gumuz; 26.8 tonnes to Jor woreda in Gambella; 103 tonnes to 
Harari; 176.3 tonnes to Abuna Gindebered woreda, 59.7 tonnes to Ada 
Berga woreda and 296.7 tonnes to Meta Robi woreda of West Shewa zone of 
Oromiya. Furthermore, 516.1 tonnes have been allocated to Burji special 
woreda and 277.7 tonnes to Tocha woreda of Dawro zone in SNNPR. For more 
information contact: wfp.addisababa@wfp.org

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Appropriate Donations for International Disaster/Humanitarian Needs
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                                guidelines: www.cidi.org/donate.htm
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