Relief Bulletin: 08/08/03

WFP EXTENDED IDP RELIEF ASSISTANCE FOR six-months

A Budget Revision has been approved for Ethiopia Emergency Operation (EMOP 10197.0), Relief Assistance to Ethiopian Internally Displaced by the Ethiopia-Eritrea Border Conflict, extending the operation for six months from 1 July to 31 December 2003. The EMOP was extended due to the delay in the process for the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original location and the demarcation of Ethiopian and Eritrean border. The latter is currently scheduled to start in October 2003. The extension will provide additional resources to cover the food needs of 76,500 IDPs. In view of the uncertainty related to possible population movements connected to the demarcation process, the budget revision includes a contingency stock for an additional 29,500 IDPs for a five-month period. The EMOP cost is US$ 3.4 million. The gross food aid needs for this operation from July to December are 9,580 tonnes. However, taking into consideration carryover stocks, the net additional requirement is 7,593 tonnes.

UNICEF RESPONDS TO HIV/AIDS IN DROUGHT-AFFECTED AREAS

With 2.2 million people currently infected, Ethiopia has one of the largest HIV/AIDS-affected populations in the world. It is a known fact that HIV/AIDS spreads fastest in conditions of social instability, conflict and poverty ­ conditions that generally prevail among populations facing emergency situation. People affected by drought must find alternative ways to meet basic needs such as food.  This involves migration, dropping out of school, and exchanging sex for food or cash. All these increase the risk of getting infected by HIV and put young people, especially girls, at high risk of infection. As part of its emergency response UNICEF, in partnership with HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO), the Regional AIDS Secretariats and NGOs are implementing new HIV/AIDS prevention activities in drought-affected areas. In addition to its integrated HIV/AIDS program, UNICEF has hired two consultants to train facilitators in the drought-affected regions of Amhara, Tigray and SNNPR. In collaboration with regional authorities they will focus on community dialogue, involvement of anti HIV/AIDS clubs in prevention and promotion of safe sex. This includes education on transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexual transmitted infections (STIs), condom use, care and support of people living with AIDS, and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials. The activities will be carried out in collaboration with NGO partners at selected food distribution sites, therapeutic feeding centers and supplementary feeding centers.

WHO TEAM TRAVELS TO ETHIOPIA TO ASSESS MOUNTING HEALTH CRISIS

In response to the current health emergency in the country, Dr. David Nabarro, WHO Representative of the Director General for Health Action in Crisis and a team from WHO headquarters are visiting Ethiopia to meet with government officials, the donor community and the UN Country Team. The team aims to review the effects of the drought on the health sector, raise awareness and support of the health sector and provide recommendations on how to improve the capacity and effectiveness of WHO’s response efforts.

Keith Brown,USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa, Visits Ethiopia

The objective of Mr. Brown’s visit is to discuss issues related to the drought as well as long-term food security in relation to the recently established "Coalition for Food Security in Ethiopia" with the country’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.  Mr. Brown will travel to Guraghe and Silte zones of SNNPR to visit Project Mercy sites.     

GAA and APDA starts Relief program in Afar Region

German Agro Action (GAA) together with Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) has started a new relief program in Dubti and Elida'ar Woredas. Financed by European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) with Euro 218,000, the works include the vaccination of 400,000 animals mainly against pasteurellose and anthrax. 11,200 persons in worst drought-affected kebeles and their animals are supported by water tankering. Additionally 100 improved "boynas" (traditional steam wells) will be constructed for the supply of clean drinking water for some 1,300 people in extremely remote sites. The program will last for 3 months and then join a similar program of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation with Euro 400,000.