Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Looming Hunger And Disease In Ethiopia


Poor Rains Prompt New Warnings Of Looming Hunger And Disease In Ethiopia

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) voiced deep concern today over increasing malnutrition and disease in the south-central Oromiya region of Ethiopia due to erratic and delayed rains there, warning that more crop seeds were urgently needed to avert a crisis.

Only 10 days ago, OCHA warned that because of poor rains in the East African country, international aid was needed to feed a growing number of hungry, which this year will reach some 8.5 million, people - one out of every eight Ethiopians.

A recent OCHA field mission to Oromiya Region predicted a poor harvest of the main food crops - maize and sorghum - and warned that what few seeds had been provided had come too late.

The agency added that unless the delayed rains lasted through September, there would also be serious water shortages.

Earlier this month UN aid coordinators opened an office in the Somali region of Ethiopia to provide assistance in the areas devastated by drought.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.