Ethiopia Drought and Food Security Crisis – UNICEF 2016

December 2015 - As a result of a particularly strong El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean Ethiopia is facing its worst food security crisis in thirty years. Failed rains in many areas of southern and eastern Ethiopia throughout 2015 have left more than 10 million people in need of emergency food assistance a massive increase from 2.9 million people at the beginning of the year. Malnutrition rates also continue to rise with 350 000 children expected to require treatment for severe acute malnutrition in early 2016. In addition access to safe water particularly in rural areas continues to decline leading to widespread livestock deaths and the threat of outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera. Depending on events the situation in Ethiopia is expected to remain critical until at least October 2016. With Canada’s support UNICEF is supporting national and international efforts to combat acute malnutrition through the management of a common pipeline for therapeutic feeding commodities and medicines. Project activities include: (1) providing improved access to safe water and proper sanitation for drought-affected households; and (2) providing protection for children who face increased vulnerability due to the drought.

The expected result for this project is the improved health and nutritional status of severely malnourished children improved access to safe water and sanitation for drought affected households and protection for children and youth facing heightened vulnerability due to the crisis. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.