Drought leaving scars in places never before
Goro Wereda is located 60 km from Robe town, the capital of Bale Zone of Oromia region. This area is known for its ‘Teff’ and wheat productions. Farmers are used to mixed farming and heavily rely on their cattle for their resources and earnings. But now all is gone for them. They missed three consecutive rainy seasons, and are left with nothing but empty hands. For the dwellers, drought is a very recent hazard.
Asya Abdulkadir is 9-month old baby, weighs 5 kg and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measured 10 cm. He is so weak that neither he crawls nor can he stand by himself. The numbers tell how this little boy is acutely undernourished, and need immediate lifesaving assistance. Asya with his mother Sa’ada Ahmed requested by health workers to stay in the nearby health center for days or months, until her son get the expected level of nutrients and avoid threats to his survival. It is almost impossible for the mother to stay out from home for a long period, as she is the only one to prepare meal for herself and the rest of the family. Sa’ada said the only choice she thinks she has is to escape with her ill baby and try to provide for the whole family. This is the story shared by not only Asya and his mother. There are 157 babies in a single Kebele(district) identified as severely malnourished, out of which 58 are in extreme condition and need close assistance.
Health extension worker, Ambawmulu Tirfe said: “I have never seen, in my life, children in an extreme situation like the one we are seeing here. We have no clean water to drink. So, the already malnourished children at the same time are at risk of water borne diseases.” Ambawmulu urges all concerned bodies to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis before the worst comes.
Recently, Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) management team consisting of the President, Abera Tola and Secretary General, Getachew Ta’a travelled to the area and discussed on the situation with the vulnerable community and local authorities. The cash transfer program announced during the discussion will soon be distributed to 1000 vulnerable House Holds to meet their basic needs. According to the program each HH will receive 4000 Birr.
The Society with the International Federation of the Red Cross/ Red Crescent (IFRC) is assisting people severely impacted by drought in Somali, Oromia and SNNPR Regions.