Ethiopia: help for the drought affected

Large parts of Ethiopia are among the harshest and hottest regions in the world. In the south of the country temperatures of between 30 and 35 degrees Celcius are dominant all year round, and precipitation is low. 60 per cent of the population live as nomads from livestock farming, 25 per cent are so-called agro-pastoralists, who also grow crops. In their way of life, they are adapted to a narrow natural and climatic niche, but at the same time are particularly affected by climatic changes. If the rainfall during the biennial rainy season - Belgian and more - falls below average in recent years, they lose their herds and thus their livelihood. The imminent harvest is also threatened.

In Ayasaita the water supplies are almost exhausted. Four consecutive rainy periods remained. Smaller river arms are completely dried out and the water volume of the Awash river is greatly reduced. Therefore, natural and traditional water supplies, e.g. Underground "Birkuts" or water-filled sand dents are almost completely exhausted.
Without food and water, milk production from animal husbandry has almost come to a standstill. This is life-threatening, especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and toddlers. Today in every health center there are helpful, emaciated mothers and malnourished toddlers. Especially children under five years of age are in an acute danger of life.

In order to alleviate the acute distress and to save lives, we distributed f.e. food together with our partner organization Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus - Development and Social Services Commission (EECMY-DASSC) foodstuffs to malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as children under five years.
3,000 pregnant and lactating mothers and 3,000 infants under five years of age receive protein and nutrient-rich food from cornmeal, enriched with minerals and vitamins as well as vegetable oil.
Since we also have qualified health personnel, medical examinations and consultations are carried out in addition to the distribution of the food. This can range from inoculations to birth support, hygiene advice, to mediating the benefits of breastfeeding. This will reach a further 15,000 people.

This help is only possible with your support. Thank's so much for your accompaniment of our work. Please support us furthermore with your donation.

Yours

Michael Tuerk