Horn of Africa Crisis - Situation Report No. 27

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

· Heavy rains have subsided this week in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, but humanitarian operations continue to be impeded by the damage to infrastructure caused by the heavy rains in previous weeks, as well as persistent insecurity.

· The World Health Organization has issued an alert over an increased risk of water-borne diseases following the recent heavy rains and flooding in the region.

· The 2012 Consolidated Appeals for Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti were launched this week. The three Appeals seek some US $2.37 billion dollars, which is 20 per cent higher than the requirements for 2011. Ethiopia is expected to release its 2012 requirements in late January.

· During a mission to Mogadishu and Kenya last week, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the international community for their continued support in securing gains made in 2012.