Ethiopia Drought and Food Security Crisis – Concern Worldwide 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 Concern Worldwide is helping to meet the humanitarian needs of more than 29 000 drought-affected people in South Wollo zone Amhara State. Project activity includes improving access to treatment for acute malnutrition.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) reduced mortality and morbidity associated with malnutrition especially for children under five; and (2) strengthened capacity of the Ministry of Health and community mobilization. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.