Relief Bulletin: Weekly Humanitarian Highlights in Ethiopia 14 May 2007

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