HUMANITARIAN SITUATION UPDATE
 

In SNNPR, poor performance of root crops is contributing to worsening food security, particularly in Kembata Tembaro, Sidama and Wolayita zones. In the six belg-dependent woredas of Southern Zone in Tigray Region, poorly performing rains have significantly impacted belg harvest. Moreover, near to total failure of the sugum rains in Afar has reportedly resulted in serious shortages of water and pasture in Zone 2 and Zone 5. Meanwhile, the gu assessment commenced in Somali Region on 22 June.

If the forecast holds, the latest FEWSNET/WFP food security update indicates that the result would be a second consecutive season of below‐normal production in the eastern crop-producing areas. Consequently, there is a need to closely monitor the performance of the June to September rains in these areas. The kiremt rains contribute about 90 to 95 per cent of total annual crop production in Ethiopia and are critical for the regeneration of pasture and water in northern pastoral areas.

However, WFP reports that the planned food allocations will not reach beneficiaries before August unless transport congestion in Djibouti is immediately resolved. Disaster Risk Management Food Security Sector (DRMFSS) is working continues with partners on the availability of trucks and facilitation of port operation. Moreover, despite the availability of food in the refugee pipeline, physical stocks are inadequate to achieve full ration distributions in July and August. WFP is discussing with UNHCR and the Administration for Refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA) on the possibility of reducing rations for July to ensure food for August distributions. A final decision will be announced next week.

FMoH is pre-positioning antiviral drugs in 31 selected hospitals and at the Regional Health Bureaus. An additional isolation unit has been identified at St Paul’s Hospital in Addis Ababa, with a capacity of close to 65 beds. Diagnostic laboratories have been strengthened and are now functioning 24 hours a day. Moreover, additional health staff are being identified. An interim treatment protocol and use of face mask and respirators has been developed and communicated to the regions. The national technical working group is updating the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan in view of the current pandemic phase. Meanwhile, daily coordination meetings chaired by the Minister of Health are being held at the FMoH.

Moreover, UNICEF pre-positioned eight CTC kits in Afar, to be used in the event that the current outbreak expands. To support the response to the AWD outbreak in Afar and based on the recently developed AWD preparedness and response plan, UNICEF also dispatched communication materials on AWD prevention and treatment measures. Meanwhile, with technical assistance from UNICEF and WHO, the Amhara RHB prepared an AWD preparedness plan.