Ethiopia Appeals for $948 Million in Humanitarian Aid for 201717 January 2017 – On the heels of failed rains and a calamitous El Niño in Ethiopia, the country's Government today launched an appeal for $948 million to urgently address food and non-food needs, while the United Nations agriculture agency warned that a new drought may put the East African nation's hard fought gains at risk. The humanitarian response plan, launched by the Ethiopian Government and humanitarian partners, aims to help 5.6 million people mainly in the southern and eastern parts of the country, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “Last year the Government of Ethiopia, with the support of international donors and humanitarian partners, was able to mount the biggest drought response operation in global history. “Humanitarian partners stand ready to support the Government in addressing the needs of those Ethiopians affected by this new drought,” said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie. Of the total, $598 million is targeted for relief food, $105 million for nutrition, and $86 million for water and sanitation needs.

Source: Ethiopian News January 18, 2017 04:48 UTC