Ethiopia – Nutrition Support for South Sudanese Refugees - Concern Worldwide 2018

March 2018 – Ethiopia hosts the second largest number of refugees in Africa nearly one million people. Approximatelyy 40% of these are from South Sudan and now live in the remote Gambella region of western Ethiopia. Although safe from the conflict and insecurity that forced them to flee many refugees are still suffering from their effects including acute malnutrition and trauma related to violence. With limited local options for self-sustainability and little chance of returning home in the near future most refugee households remain reliant on ongoing international assistance to meet their basic needs. With GAC’s support Concern Worldwide is providing nutritional assistance to an estimated 19 500 South Sudanese refugees and host communities in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. Activities include: (1) targeted therapeutic feeding of acutely malnourished children; (2) blanket supplementary feeding for households with vulnerable children; and (3) the provision of inputs to enhance dietary diversity amongst benficiary households.

The expected outcome for this project is the improved nutritional status of South Sudanese refugees and host communities in Ethiopia. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.