Ethiopia drought impacts millions, UNICEF appeals for additional aid to minimize child deaths

events has appealed for $31 million in disasters to ease the suffering of over 4 million people during a severe disasters” target=”_blank”>drought< that threatens to impact millions more.

Three consecutive failed rainy seasons have created severe drought in the country, heavily impacting lowland areas with a lack of clean water and destroying crops, which has led to increased food insecurity and skyrocketing malnutrition. 

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The spiraling situation may impact over 6.8 million people by mid-March.  

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A nurse measures Nimo Abdi Dhuh’s arm circumference with a pediatric MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) bracelet. The two-year-old girl is receiving treatment for malnutrition at a UNICEF-supported mobile clinic in Barare village, Higloley Woreda, Somali Region. She has suffered from diarrhoea and vomiting.  (UNICEF)


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Dama Mohammed fetches water from a pond in Beda’as kebele, near the town of Denan. She is taking water back home for her cows which are weak to walk. "I have eight cows. Two have already died and two are unable to walk. That’s why I am taking this water to them. I came here with my two children who are helping me out." Beda’as kebele, Denan woreda, Shebele zone Somali region, 18 January 2022 ©UNICEF Ethiopia/2022/Mulugeta Ayene (UNICEF)


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Women and children walk past animal carcasses in Sagalo village, Somali region, as strong wind blows dust all over the place. Cows, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys perish as severe drought hits the region. The number of livestock dying of lack of food and water is staggering and increasing by the day. Children and their families are struggling to survive due to loss of livelihoods and exhausting comping mechanisms. Sagalo village, Korahe zone, Kebridahar woreda (district), Somali region, Ethiopia, 21 January 2022 ©UNICEF Ethiopia/2022/Mulugeta Ayene (UNICEF)


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In Beda’as kebele, a water pond is crowded with a large number of animals who came from a distance looking for water. The men are also busy giving water to their animals. Beda’as kebele, Denan woreda, Shebele zone Somali region, 18 January 2022 ©UNICEF Ethiopia/2022/Mulugeta Ayene (UNICEF)

Iman Magan, a mother from the Korahe zone in the Somali region, described the situation as “difficult.” 

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“My child is suffering and we are facing difficulties,” she said. “I left Gelile-el this morning and came to Debele. I came seeking a medication for my child.” 

UNICEF has appealed for the funds in addition to an already massive $351 million in overall humanitarian aid needed for the region. The further appeal would aim to ease the suffering of 2 million people in Afar, Oromia, and Somali regions of the country. 

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The agency will work with local governments to overhaul local water infrastructure while providing water trucking, treatment for severely malnourished children and emergency education. 

Bashir Sheik Mohammed, UNICEF Ethiopia Nutrition Specialist, noted that the strategy aimed to “minimize unnecessary deaths among children.” 

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“It’s a critical integrated package of life saving with sanitation, promotion, treatment of acute malnutrition and treatment of common illnesses and including vaccinations,” Bashir said.