Ethiopian Review

Caritas Internationalis is launching an appeal for Ethiopia after massive crop failure has left millions of people in need of food.

Funds raised from the US$1.9 million (1.3 million euro) appeal will finance projects including improved nutrition among children and pregnant and nursing mothers, awareness raising about food and water management and training in water hygiene.

Over 68,300 people will receive Caritas help across five dioceses for eight months. The drought is mainly affecting the east and south of the country and some parts of the north.

Drought caused by poor rains has led to a critical food and water shortage in large parts of the Horn of Africa. Up to 23 million people have difficulties accessing enough food and water for their daily needs.

In Ethiopia, 6.2 million people need emergency help. This doesn’t include 8 million people who already receive Government assistance as part of a safety net programme.

Recent unseasonal rains in Ethiopia are benefiting some crops but many people’s health is already weakened by malnutrition. Lack of access to clean water has also led to outbreaks of diarrhea in some areas – an illness which can kill if treatment isn’t given.

(For more information, please contact Michelle Hough on +39 06 69879721/+39 334 2344136 or hough@caritas.va)