OCHA Situation Report
Ethiopia
6 October 2008


Source:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

HUMANITARIAN REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT

Further to Government's revision of emergency beneficiary figures in line 
with results of the belg/gu seasonal assessment, the Government and 
humanitarian partners are currently updating the humanitarian requirements 
document for the upcoming three months. The document is expected to be 
launched on Tuesday, 14 October. An estimated 6.4 million beneficiaries 
have been identified to require emergency food assistance. For more 
information contact: info@dppc.gov.et& ocha-eth@un.org

HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS

Food insecurity

The severe impacts of prolonged food insecurity in some areas of the 
country continue to be witnessed. Although slight improvements were noted 
in SNNPR with a decline in the admission rates to the Therapeutic Feeding 
Programme (TFP) during the week, the situation continues to deteriorate in 
the affected areas in Borena, East and West Hararghe of Oromiya and Somali 
Regions. Increased livestock morality is reported from Borena zone and its 
vicinities in Oromiya and Somali Regions. In addition to cattle and 
shoats, camel mortality is increasingly reported in some areas of Somali 
Region indicating the severity of the situation. It is anticipated to 
further escalate as the hagaa (short dry season) progresses.

In Somali Region, the drought combined with rising food prices and 
declining livestock income continues to further exacerbate the situation. 
Rural-urban migration in search of food has increased, WFP reports. 
Significant efforts are being put into place by the Government to further 
strengthen the security of humanitarian actors. Regular discussions are 
being held with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security on 
security related priorities. A high-level meeting was held in Jijiga 
between WFP, the State Minister of the Disaster Management and Food 
Security Sector (DMFSS) and the Somali Regional President during the week 
to firm up agreements between key stakeholders on the launch and 
implementation of the Hubs and Spokes logistics system. Three logistics 
hubs in Kebridehar, Gode and Degehabur and a secondary transportation 
system up to delivery points will be established to enhance food aid 
delivery to approximately 1.8 million beneficiaries in the region.

Early cessation of meher rains in most parts of Amhara and Tigray regions 
is anticipated to affect crop production. Meanwhile hailstorms and heavy 
rains in some woredas in North Gonder, West Gojam and North Wollo zones in 
Amhara Region and Ahferom woreda in Tigray Region has reportedly damaged 
crops. A multi-agency team led by the regional DPPB is currently assessing 
the impact of meher rains in Amhara Region. The rains significantly 
contribute to the production of long cycle crops. For more information 
contact: wfp.addisababa@wfp.org & ocha-eth@un.org.

Malnutrition

According to Emergency Nutrition Coordination Unit, new admission rates to 
TFP in SNNPR declined by 25 to 30 percent compared to figures reported 
from last week. This week 1,763 new admissions of children with Severe 
Acute Malnutrition were reported. More admissions were, on the other hand, 
reported in Oromiya Region during the reported period compared to the 
previous week. Efforts are underway to increase coverage of the reporting 
sites in Somali Region. For more information contact: orlao@dppc.gov.et

HEALTH UPDATE

Acute watery Diarrhoea (AWD)

Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) has continued to affect more woredas in the 
country. Recent WHO reports indicate that the epidemic has spread to 
Gonder Zuria in Amhara, East Badewacho woreda in SNNP and Kaffta Humera 
woreda in Tigray Regions. This latest report brings the total number of 
woredas reporting active cases to 24 (two in Afar, 12 in Amhara, three in 
Oromiya, one in SNNP and eight in Tigray).

Efforts are underway by Government and Humanitarian Partners to contain 
the spread of the disease. The FMoH, WHO and UNICEF have been providing 
support to the regional, zonal and woreda health offices in the affected 
areas. A Joint team comprised of Gambella Regional Health Bureau, WHO, 
UNICEF and PSI conducted a three-day training during the week on AWD case 
management for 38 health workers from the 11 woredas of Gambella Region. 
This is part of the preparedness activities for Gambella flood response 
incorporated in the health action plan. For more information contact: 
who-wro@et.afro.who.int

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