East Africa Drought (Ethiopia) - IFRC 2012

(December 2011) Ethiopia is still suffering from the effects of the worst drought in sixty years with an estimated 4.9 million people including more than 260 000 refugees requiring humanitarian assistance. In the worst-affected areas in the south and east of the country food insecurity and loss of livestock have led to high rates of acute malnutrition and the devastation of livelihoods particularly amongst pastoralist communities. In addition the influx of refugees fleeing conflict and famine in neighbouring Somalia has further strained the local capacity to weather the drought. Canada's support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Ethiopia is helping it to meet the immediate life-saving needs of populations that have been affected by the regional drought. Through its wide-reaching multi-sectoral operation the IFRC is supporting humanitarian activities in the areas of emergency food distribution water sanitation and health which are targeting more than 570 000 people. Some specific activities include the distribution of supplementary food rations the rehabilitation of water points and targeted health and nutrition interventions.

Expected Results Include: Improved access to food water and sanitation and health care for an estimated 570 000 drought-affected people in Ethiopia. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.