Serious concern over nutritional decline

A recent nutrition survey in parts of the Somali State, southeastern Ethiopia, has demonstrated a worsening of food security conditions, humanitarian sources say. A nutrition survey by Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Belgium in Denan, Gode Zone, showed that the nutritional status among children under five years of age was declining. Other areas which have caused concern are Segeg and Dihun of Fik Zone, where the seasonal rains have not yet arrived. Populations recovering from the drought crisis last year were "extremely vulnerable", humanitarian sources told IRIN. While substantial rains have recently fallen in the Somali region, and pasture availability still remains sufficient in most parts of the region, supplementary food rations have had to be recently distributed in some areas. "There is reason for serious concern about a persistently deficient humanitarian condition in much of the Somali region," humanitarian sources said. Following a major international-led humanitarian intervention last year after a long regional drought, general food rations in the Somali region had been "severely cut back" over recent months, humanitarian sources said. Gode was the epicentre of the crisis. However, recovering populations have remained vulnerable. As a result, there had been persistent complaints from local administrators in various parts of the Somali region over decreased rations, the World Food Programme (WFP) Emergency Report said this month. According to the report, the Ethiopian Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC) early warning department mission is investigating the situation of the drought-displaced in Fafen, Jijiga Zone and near the established refugee camps in Hartishek, Kebri Beyah and Harshin. Preliminary results have resulted in the local Mother and Child Development Organisation (MCDO) reopening its supplementary feeding centre. The WFP report also mentioned Gubalafto in the Amhara State, where the DPPC has confirmed a food problem in the area. In Tigray, northern Ethiopia, rains have been reported, and land preparation has been good in comparison to last year. However, there were no rains reported in sout hern Tigray, the report said.