United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York)
14 January 2008
press release
SOMALI REGION UPDATE
The recent DPPB/Save the Children -UK food security update for the month of December reports early livestock migration in parts of Korahe, Warder, Degehabur, Fik, Gode, Afder, Liben and Shinile zones. The migration is reportedly due to feed and water scarcity. This is of concern in light of the start of the long dry season – jilal. Most of the deyr receiving zones in the region have received poor gu and deyr rains in 2007. Livestock feed and water supply interventions are, therefore, of high priority in affected areas. Meanwhile, in an effort to address locust infestation, a meeting was held in Addis Ababa between MoARD and FAO. An emergency meeting chaired by the regional Livestock Crop Natural Resource Bureau (LCNRB) in collaboration with FAO also took place in Kebridehar during the week to discuss the situation including the preparation of an emergency locust response plan.
Meanwhile, emergency efforts by various actors are ongoing. To date, approximately 16,850 MT of food has been dispatched by DPPA to the five zones under military operation. In addition to this, 2,738 MT of food was allocated to Fik, Gode and Korahe zones earlier this month of which 1,316 MT has been dispatched. The shortage of military escorts continues to hamper timely food deliveries, however, WFP is discussing this matter with the Government. In order to enhance its food aid monitoring, WFP is finalizing the recruitment of seven additional Food Aid Monitors. WFP has approved a Special Operation amounting to US$1.35 million to support DPPA's logistics for the Somali Region. Of this amount, US$ 598,000 was funded through the CERF. UNICEF reported that more Mobile Health teams will be deployed to nine woredas next week - Kebridehar, Shilabo, Debeweyn, Denan, Dihun, Segeg, Degehamedo, Aware and Danot. ACF completed an initial assessment of boreholes in Shilabo woreda to undertake rehabilitation works. The breakdown of the two main boreholes in the woreda reportedly exacerbated water shortage. It also trained staff in Kebridehar hospital on malnutrition screening and treatment. MDM continued to support deployment of Primary Health Extension Workers (PHEW). IRC has secured funding to implement Emergency Water and Sanitation interventions in Degehabur and Korahe zones. For more information contact: ocha-eth@un.org& wfp.addisababa@wfp.org
CARE MONTHLY UPDATE
CARE in its latest publication (November/December) reported a normal food and livelihood security situation in most parts of its operational woredas - Doba, Chiro and Gemechis of West Harerghe zone; and Girawa, Kurfachele, and Bedeno of East Hararghe zone of Oromiya Region and Zone 3 and 5 of Afar Region. The favourable weather condition during the rainy season has contributed to good crop production prospects. In pastoral areas, however, the report indicates that milk production was not good due to prolonged dry spell and inadequate rains. Pasture and water availability in Zone 3 and Zone 5 of Afar and in most lowland woredas of Borena zone is being depleted, posing a threat to rural households that are dependent on livestock and livestock products. Additionally, the price of charcoal and firewood was reportedly higher compared to previous months. For more information contact: ManderT@care.org.
MENINGITIS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN
WHO recently alerted Ethiopia and other countries lying in the meningitis belt to be prepared for a large scale meningitis outbreak in February 2008. Following the alert, FMOH in close collaboration with WHO developed a preparedness and response plan. According to WHO, the pattern recently has changed with epidemics occurring more frequently in an expanded geographic coverage. New strains have been reported linked with factors related to climate change, overcrowding, drought and increased population movements. A similar outbreak in 1996-1997 killed 25,000 people in the African Meningitis Belt, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia. For more information contact: who-wro@et.afro.who.int
FMOH: AWD CONTROLLED
AWD is currently under control in most of the affected regions, reports the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). According to the report most affected regions have reported zero cases during the last three to four weeks. Reports from WHO consultants and FMoH sources recorded 62 cases and zero death during the last four weeks of 2007 and the first week of 2008 from Somali, Oromiya, and Afar regions. The significant reduction has been attributed to strong technical and financial assistance by the ministry and health partners. Risk factors, however, remain for the spread of AWD. Lack of safe drinking water, poor hygiene practices and inadequate medical and drug supplies still remain increasing risk of re-emergence of the disease. Poor access to health care and shortage of health professionals along with inadequate multi-sectoral coordination also prevail. For more information contact: who-wro@et.afro.who.int
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