DRAMATIC CRISIS SITUATION IN SNNPR
UNICEF is organising a special mission
next week to SNNPR comprised of UNCEF staff posted with the DPPC in Awassa,
Regional Emergency Advisor, nutritionist and medical doctor to evaluate
therapeutic feeding centers (TFC) in response to the deteriorating situation
in the area. UN-OCHA-EUE will also undertake an assessment mission to selected
worst affected areas in Southern Nation Nationalities People Region (SNNPR).
Government, NGOs and the UN met this morning in Awassa for a meeting to
discuss emergency nutrition issues. Reports have been received that the
nutritional situation is becoming more severe, with more and more severely
acute malnourished children arriving at feeding centers that are overwhelmed.
MSF-SWITZERLAND REPORTS CRITICAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN WOLLAYITA
According to MSF-Switzerland an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition in Damot Gale Woreda of SNNPR. A survey conducted by MSF-Switzerland from 7 to 15 April 2003, showed critical nutritional status of children under five years of age with a prevalence of 27.5% Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) and 8.2% Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). 250 MSF-Switzerland staff are responding to this emergency situation and have opened two Therapeutic Feeding Centres in Boditi and Buge where already 250 children have been admitted and treated. MSF is intending to extend its capacities in the near future with additional programmes including high-energy rations and feeding centres. From Monday, 19 May 2003, a preventive distribution of high-energy food rations will start for 22,000 children. Furthermore, a Supplementary Feeding Program will be implemented as soon as possible to prevent the deterioration of the nutritional status of the many moderately malnourished children. Wollayita is regularly affected by acute nutritional crises, mainly due to the high population density in the area (602 people/km2), under-developed agriculture, a deficient early warning system and climatic conditions this year.
FLOOD UPDATE IN SOUTHERN SOMALI REGION
Assessment of the full extent of the floods in Kelafo, Mustahil and West and East Imi of Gode and Afder zones of Somali Region is still ongoing. Access remains a serious problem due to ongoing rainfall and very little assistance has been reaching the victims to date. The federal and regional government is positioning resources in Gode town. An estimated total of up to 100,000 people have been affected, but some were able to move to high ground ahead of the floods, with their animals and food supplies. DPPC is making arrangements to transport May drought operation rations from DPPC/WFP stocks to the area, some of which will be going to flood victims. ICRC is moving food to the area by road from Dire Dawa, to provide food rations to 20,000 people (250 tons wheat, 80 tons pulses and 20 tons vegetable oil), with a contingency capacity to cover further needs, based on the findings of current assessments taking place in the area. A helicopter provided by the Ministry of Defence arrived in Gode on 13 May and commenced operations on 14 May, taking 120 cartons of biscuits and 10 rolls of plastic sheeting to Mustahil, where many communities are still cut off by flood water. DPPB has also started the distribution by truck and helicopter of UNICEF donated non-food items in Kalafo, including plastic sheeting, jerrycans, blankets, and cooking utensils. In response to the outbreak of diseases and the high level of malnutrition zonal health bureau has sent additional staff to Denan health post with provision of UNICEF essential drugs. UNICEF has already sent 4 emergency kits, which contain three months of supplies for approximately 40,000 people, to Gode and Kalafo. Additionally, 1,000 blankets, 1,000 plastic tarpaulins and 2,000 jerrycans arrived in Gode on 6 May. UNICEF has also prepared 300 rolls of sheeting, 5,000 jerrycans, 10,000 blankets and 3,000 jugs for delivery to 20,000 people. These items are ready to be airlifted by the DPPC in coordination with ICRC. To counteract the outbreak of disease, UNICEF is ready to provide additional drug kits, tents and other provisions to set up makeshift clinics. Plans are also underway to carry out further assessments and prepare for an emergency measles and vitamin A campaign.
DART MISSION ARRIVES IN ETHIOPIA
In response to worsening conditions in the country, USAID has dispatched a Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) mission to Ethiopia to look at ways of enhancing non-food response to the country. The DART is a quick action response capability for USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to provide rapid assistance to meet urgent needs. The team includes specialists trained in a variety of disaster relief skills and coordinates their activities with the affected country, NGOs, and the UN. The team is currently in SNNPR, will travel next to Fik in Somali region and to other hot spots as needed. Since October 2002 the USAID Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) has provided over 11 million for emergency non-food assistance to Ethiopia.
SIR BOB GELDOF TO VISIT ETHIOPIA
Sir Bob Geldof, longtime Ethiopia supporter and advocate will be in the country from the 27 May to 1 June. He will be accompanied by Lord Waheed Alli, Vice President of the UK National Committee for UNICEF and other UNICEF supporters. It is hoped his visit will highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country as well as the impact of HIV/AIDS and poverty.