WFP to launch emergency operation

WFP was set to launch a nine-month emergency operation for Ethiopia on Friday at a cost of over US $136 million, UN spokesman Fred Eckhard announced at UN Headquarters on Thursday. The emergency operation is part of the overall UN country team appeal for US $190.7 million issued towards the end of January. WFP said the number of vulnerable persons has dramatically increased since last year when it distributed food to 1.2 million people. A recent WFP and FAO food and crop assessment indicated that there are some 7.8 million people in need of food aid. For the last two decades there has been a shortage of food in Ethiopia caused largely by unfavourable weather conditions. Food security remains chronic due to limited availability and access by the majority of the population. "It is hoped that by acting now, we can prevent a human catastrophe from developing in the near future," WFP said.