UN says federal response to diarrhoea outbreak in Ethiopia needed

(New York: 17 August 2006): More than 130 people have died and 11,000 been diagnosed with acute watery diarrhoea in Ethiopia over the past three months.

The first outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea was reported in April in Gambella region and confined to that region. However, in June 2006, acute watery diarrhoea was reported in fifteen woredas of Oromiya region and spread rapidly to an additional six woredas of the neighbouring region, Southern Nations Nationalities and People region, by July. Efforts to contain the disease have not been successful and cases have now been confirmed in the capital of Addis Ababa and as far south as Guji zone, about 200 kilometres from the border with Kenya.

To date, a total of 10,011 cases and 93 deaths have been confirmed in West Arsi zone of Oromiya region, 943 cases and 32 deaths in Guji zone, and five cases and one death in Addis Ababa. A joint mission by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Government undertook an assessment mission in West Arsi zone from 4 to 8 August 2006.

Among the findings of the assessment mission, containment of the disease is a major concern as it is now threatening a much larger population. While regional coordination efforts have been strong, but the outbreak is spreading beyond the control of regional authorities. A clear federal response coordinated by the Ministry of Health is needed.

While non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are currently training Case Treatment Centres (CTCs) staff on prevention and control, there is a gap in efforts to raise community awareness to promote good hygiene and sanitation practices. Immediate isolation of infected persons is required. Other gaps that must immediately be addressed include the need for medical supplies, logistics, support for the water treatment system, community-based hygiene, sanitation and water distribution support.

To assist the response efforts, the United Nations intends to release an emergency cash grant of $400,000.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.