Ethiopia - South Sudan Refugees - Concern Worldwide 2016

March 2016 - Ethiopia now hosts one of the largest numbers of refugees in Africa more than 820 000 from Eritrea Somalia South Sudan Sudan and several other countries. The largest refugee population living primarily in the western Gambella region and numbering around 350 000 is from South Sudan. Consisting of over 90% women and children this population is extremely vulnerable suffering from high rates of acute malnutrition and having experienced shocking levels of violence and sexual abuse during their flight from their country. Despite the signing of a peace agreement in South Sudan the violence has not subsided and refugees continue to arrive in Ethiopia necessitating the establishment of new camps and ongoing support. With GAC`s support Concern Worldwide is addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of an estimated 62 500 South Sudanese refugees in the Pugnido I camp in Ethiopia’s Gambella region. Project activities include: (1) systematic screening of children under five years old for acute malnutrition; (2) the provision of curative services through both static stabilization centres and outpatient feeding programs; (3) the provision of blankets and supplementary food rations to pregnant and lactating women and children under five; and (4) the provision of outreach services to provide support and increase awareness of proper nutrition practices amongst vulnerable households.

The expected immediate outcomes of this project include: (1) improved access to treatment of acute malnutrition for South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia; and (2) decreased rates of acute malnutrition in the Pugnido I refugee camp. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.