Ethiopia Drought and Food Security Crisis – Doctors Without Borders 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 Doctors Without Borders is providing access to a wide range of primary and secondary healthcare services. The project activity includes screening and treatment for acute malnutrition for more than 294 000 people living in Jarar and Nogob zones Somali Regional State in Ethiopia.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to primary health care services for vulnerable populations through fixed and mobile clinics and support to health centres; (2) improved access to secondary health care services for vulnerable populations in Jarar and Nogob zones via support to Degabhur and Fiq hospitals; (3) improved access to medical care for acutely malnourished children and specific vulnerable groups in Jarar and Nogob zones through inpatient and outpatient nutritional services; and (4) strengthened surveillance systems to prevent excess morbidity and mortality rates linked to nutrition epidemic-prone diseases natural and man-made disasters The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.