Relief Bulletin: Weekly Humanitarian Highlights in Ethiopia 12 Jun 2006

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Date: 12 Jun 2006

HUMANITARIAN PARTNERS RESTRICT THEIR ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING SECURITY INCIDENTS
Several humanitarian partners temporarily restricted their activities last week following security incidents in Oromiya and Somali regions. In Borena zone, clashes between rival clans (Borena and Guji) have killed and displaced many, according to reports from the area. Humanitarian partners, including CARE, GOAL and other NGOs have had to restrict their activities due to these incidents. A Government mobile health team supported by UNICEF also suspended its efforts in the zone. Reports indicate that the upcoming ganna assessment could be postponed due to the present situation. Discussions are on-going among traditional Gadda leadership and Government authorities to stabilise the situation. In Somali Region, two mobile health teams suspended their activities after clashes between Government forces and insurgent groups. Discussions are being held between UNICEF and the Regional Health Bureau to put the two teams back to work. Transportation of relief food is increasingly hampered and the delivery rate is decreased in Somali Region. Movement of private vehicles is restricted. Trucks attempting to move food into the region face delays. Movement and humanitarian operations to specific zones was suspended on occasion with the advice of the UN Department of Safety and Security based in Addis Ababa. Contact: mapted@unicef.org & wfp.addisababa@wfp.org

NORMAL NUTRITIONAL CONDITION IN BOSET WOREDA, OROMIYA REGION

World Vision conducted a nutritional survey in Boset woreda, East Shewa zone, Oromiya Region in mid May and reports 4.8 percent GAM and 1.2 percent SAM with 0.45/10,000/day U5MR. The result is considered normal, according to the Emergency Nutrition Intervention Guideline (ENCU/DPPC 2004). Emergency food aid and Productive Safety Net Programmes are both operational, particularly in some affected lowland kebeles of the woreda. Other food security programmes assisted by the World Bank and World Vision also target the majority of the food insecure population. The survey recommends the strengthening and continuation of the existing emergency food assistance. Timely delivery of safety net assistance and follow up of the Enhanced Outreach Strategy results are also recommended by the survey. For more information contact: wveth@ethionet.et
Oluma.a 07 05 1969