The population in this area has little protection from the poverty and famine cycle. Over-population, deforestation and erratic rainfall has led to successive crop failures, which has forced people to sell their cattle and other basic assets they would need for future productivity.

At present MSF is constructing a new Therapeutic Feeding Centre (TFC) which will replace the overloaded centre run by Salesian Sisters. This TFC is currently treating 169 severely malnourished children and has been supported by MSF since early May.

A nutritional survey was conducted last week in the area. This survey shows an alarming situation with global acute malnutrition of 17.1% and acute severe malnutrition of 4.8%. MSF will combine the new TFC with improved outreach work as well as targeted supplementary feeding for children under 5.

The population in this area has little protection from the poverty and famine cycle. Over-population, deforestation and erratic rainfall has led to successive crop failures, which has forced people to sell their cattle and other basic assets they would need for future productivity. General food distribution is inadequate, targeting is difficult and there are only few other aid organisations working in the area. The dramatic situation in Ziway highlights the broader food problems Ethiopia needs to combat.