Amidst a bewildering mix of relentless droughts and severe floods, IOM passionately urges relentless support for the Horn of Africa.

Tuesday June 6, 2023

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that the Horn of Africa is facing a perplexing and bursty situation of continued drought and heavy rains leading to severe floods. This has not only caused mass displacement and death of livestock but also worsened the risk of water-borne diseases. The weakened population is now more susceptible to malnutrition and diseases like cholera.

The IOM has reported a cholera outbreak in Ethiopia, which has further devastated the region. In Somalia, the situation is no different with further cholera outbreaks being reported. The region has also witnessed a high point in malnutrition rates. The rains have provided some relief to the region by replenishing water points and providing vegetation and improved agricultural conditions. Nevertheless, the IOM warns that while famine has been averted through sustained and scaled-up assistance, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Urgent donor support is required in areas such as water, sanitation and hygiene and health.

The IOM has already scaled up its drought response significantly in Somalia and Ethiopia, reaching out to more than 3.7 million people. However, it remains severely underfunded, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti.