- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today that 12.5 million Ethiopians are at risk of starving, as there is still a substantial shortfall to the agency's US$ 90 million appeal for emergency operations in that country.
- As we enter Ethiopia's lean season before the harvest, the number threatened by starvation has shot up from 11 million to 12.5 million and our best estimates are that it is still climbing, WFP Executive Director James Morris told the agency's Executive Board.
Despite an early alert and a rapid response by the international community, there is still a substantial shortfall of some 230,000 tons of food aid towards 2003 operation requirements totalling 619,000 tons, WFP said.
- We have not had enough support to give out a complete cereal ration in Ethiopia and we and our partners have been forced to reduce it from 15 kilograms a month to 12.5 kilograms, Mr Morris stated. "Currently we have commitments of about half of what we need for the new emergency operation. A threat of a pipeline break in September remains."
As a result, only the most vulnerable Ethiopians have so far received the full 15 kilograms of cereal ration required each month per person, WFP said warning that until food assistance is available to all in need, malnutrition rates will continue to rise.
- I assure you cutting rations is an action we and our partners only take in desperation, Mr Morris said, reaffirming the agency's commitment to provide the fuller cereal ration to all food aid recipients in the country with the support of international donors.
Besides a food shortage, the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia is exacerbated by a lack of clean drinking water, widespread seed shortage, poor sanitation, nutrition and primary health care, according to WFP.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español