Over the past two years, Abergele has been grappling with severe hunger and acute diseases. As of 2022, approximately 71,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) reside in makeshift camps across the two districts of the zone. The influx of people newly displaced by both natural and man-made disasters continues to add to this number. The living conditions of IDPs are precarious, with around 8,000 households in Abergele residing among host communities or in public buildings, including damaged homes, rented houses, host family residences, and open compounds with no shelter.
The region faces a critical shortage of life-saving necessities for vulnerable households and communities affected by drought, along with high levels of acute malnutrition. Abergele, in particular, is facing severe hunger compounded by drought, malaria, rabies, and significant food shortages. An outbreak of Severe Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in numerous fatalities.
Adding to the challenges is the harsh circumstance of inaccessibility to the areas where IDPs are located, hindering the efficient delivery of resources and aid to the most vulnerable regions. The combination of high internal displacements, limited availability of food, livestock feed, and water underscores the urgent need for emergency relief and aid in Abergele.
Based on our assessment of the prevailing conditions in Abergele within the Wag Himra Zone, we have formulated a RAS Intervention with our inaugural humanitarian relief response plan. This initiative primarily focuses on emergency relief efforts and the provision of resources, mainly focused on Food distribution reaching 400 IDP Households (with 5-8 family members).
In partnership with the government office of food security, we were able to closely assess the need in the area and strategically distribute to each family a package of 25 kilos of rice and 5 liters of vegetable oil. In partnership with private sector providers, we organized the logistical details, from procurement, storage and distribution, with local and government level partners. We focused on utilizing regional markets for cost effective access and safe transportation of products. With the total budget of 22,253 USD or 1.263 million birr we were able to reach over 10,000 individuals. The beneficiaries were mainly the women (mothers and pregnant women) from the households from different Kebele and neighborhoods. We were able to work with the local peacekeeping officials and leaders to safely distribute the resources.
We were faced with multiple challenges with security and accessing the affected area; however, having observed the positive outcomes of our initial humanitarian effort, we are filled with increased enthusiasm and determination to explore further the needs of various Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) communities. We are motivated by the meaningful impact we are making on the lives of those facing adversity. As we move forward, our dedication to offering essential support to the most vulnerable populations and overlooked areas of Ethiopia only increases.
RAS Global
2024
Second Humanitarian Action: Abergele, Wag Himra Zone