13 March 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia is teetering on the brink of a major humanitarian crisis, with millions facing severe food insecurity due to a confluence of factors. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a stark warning yesterday, highlighting a critical funding gap that threatens to leave millions without access to life-saving assistance.
According to OCHA’s estimates, 9 million Ethiopians require urgent humanitarian aid between March and September 2024. This surge in food insecurity stems from ongoing conflicts within the country, compounded by the devastating effects of climate disasters like droughts and floods.
While some progress has been made, the situation remains dire. The UN has allocated $17 million in emergency aid and requested an additional $475 million to distribute food supplies. However, this is only half of what’s needed.
“We have a worrying gap,” an OCHA spokesperson stated. “Without increased support, vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons face a dangerous situation of food scarcity.”
The Ethiopian government’s 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis. This plan, with a budget of $3.237 billion, aims to support 15 million Ethiopians. It encompasses efforts to prevent malnutrition, ensure clean water and sanitation, provide healthcare, support education, and bolster agricultural production.
The international community is urged to step up and bridge the funding gap. Failure to do so will have catastrophic consequences, pushing millions of Ethiopians deeper into hunger and despair.
