Ethiopia,
Drought crisis
WHO update, October 2002
A brief update on the drought situation and WHO intervention in Ethiopia
Background
The poor Belg or small rains has caused acute shortage of water in several parts of Ethiopia-both
cropping and pastoral. The situation is severe in Afar, Somali, and pastoral areas of Oromiya.
Due to late start of Mehar rains (main rains) many areas of the country, including mainly maize
producing mid-highland to highland areas of the country like some parts of SNNPR, Amhara and
Oromiya are also at present experiencing the effect of drought. DPPC officially declared in July
2002 that nearly 6,000,000 people would need assistance in 2002.
However, the problems are getting worse and worse and the number of people needing assistance
is increasing from day to day. As a result, many of the country’s regions are requesting the
Federal government and other humanitarian agencies to intervene.
Most recent assessments
A multi-agency needs assessment teams recently (in September) forecast needs in three scenarios
(best, mid and worst case). The scenarios used to project potential food and income shortfalls in
2003 were, given the late onset of main rains are as follows:
 In the worse case, erratic rains would continue and withdraw early
 In the mid case rains would return to normal in terms of distribution and cessation,
 In the best case, rains would end after normal cessation date, i.e, mid-September in the
North and gradually withdrawing through to the mid-October in the south.
Scenarios of the likely emergency needs in 2003:
S/N
1
2
3
Scenarios
Best case
Mid case
Worst case
No. of Beneficiaries
6.8 million
10.2 million
14.3 million
It appears now that the situation is going towards the worst-case scenario as the rains are defying.
Interventions of WHO
WHO in collaboration with relevant government offices such as MOH, Ministry of water
resources (MOWR) and Disaster prevention and preparedness commission (DPPC) at Federal and
regional levels is working towards averting any major crisis in human health.
In response to the drought situation in Ethiopia, WHO:

Has assessed the health situation in the affected regions of the country, particularly Afar,
South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), some parts of Amhara and
Oromiya regions and identified priority areas for intervention.

Has assisted the government (MOH) in identifying priority activities and areas for
intervention and in preparing an appeal document; hired one national officer who is closely
following-up the situation.

Is committed to use resources from its limited budget. WHO proposed to the head office
(AFRO) to use 572,956 USD or 4,870,183 ETB from its limited budget for various activities.
28 emergency health kits will be air lifted to Ethiopia in the coming few days.

Is at present negotiating with the government of the Netherlands for 1.2 million Euros that
will be used for the procurement and distribution of essential drugs. Consensus has already
been achieved with the Dutch mission in Addis on modalities of procurement and shipment
of the drugs.

-
Is contributing in terms of technical advice to different government bodies, UN- and other
agencies, in different consultative groups, taskforces and committees, for example, has
meetings in a week in the following manner:
UN-EUE -twice a week
MOH - Once a week
DPPC - Once a week (twice a week as necessary)
MOWR - Once a week
Different mission groups

Has prepared its part for a UNCT strategic plan for 2003

It has developed and submitted a proposal on the emergency in Ethiopia to AFRO, and other
agencies. The total amount of the appeal is 1,539,954.

Is at present negotiating with the Norwegian embassy in Ethiopia for funding on emergency
health activities. First draft proposal has already been submitted. The Norwegian Embassy
has indicated a donation of nearly 600,000 Euros.

In our consolidated appeal process (CAP) for 2003, we have requested for 2.2 million USD.
Conclusion
It is understood that up to now, all WHO activities and proposals were based on best case
scenarios. With the conditions worsening WHO now moves towards worst-case scenarios.
Therefore, WHO is getting prepared and will move as fast as possible. WHO country office is
ready, more than ever, to work with its partners to assist the people of Ethiopia.
Activities
 Procure and distribute emergency health kits
 Assist in vaccination campaigns against measles and vit A supplementation
 Assist in micro-planning
 Provide technical assistance
 Assist in implementation of the program





Assist in conducting training workshops and sensitization meetings for health workers, local
authorities and community representatives on communicable diseases control and epidemic
identification and response
Assist in maintenance of the existing non-functioning water supply system and quality
control to provide safe water, particularly in Afar region
Provide technical support
Monitoring and evaluation
Financial Summary
Budget Item
Procure and distribute essential drugs/EHK
Support to vaccination against measles and supplementation of vit. A to U15 children
 Assist in micro-planning,
 Provide technical assistance,
 Assist in local transport cost,
 Assist in the implementation of the program
Assist in conducting training workshops and sensitization meetings for health workers,
local authorities and communities on communicable disease control and epidemic
response
Assist in maintenance of the existing non-functioning water supply system and quality
control to provide safe water
Technical support
Sub-Total
Management, coordination, monitoring and Evaluation
Program support costs
Total Funds Requested
US$
1,510,434
29,205
3154
420,000
30,000
1,992,,793
85,000
119,567
2,197,360