GOAL Responds To Ethiopian Crisis

The situation on the ground for the people of Ethiopia is perilous. The vast majority of people living in GOAL's areas of operation are pastoral farmers, making them particularly vulnerable to drought. Water points for livestock are drying up and most grazing lands have been depleted meaning the physical condition of livestock has deteriorated.

There are numerous reports of animal deaths including milking cows, which raises the chances of child nutrition considerably. This is happening in communities where cattle represent most, if not all, of family and community assets. Without livestock to sell, these families simply cannot afford to feed themselves.

GOAL is responding to the severe drought affecting southern Ethiopia by providing nutritional supplements through their medical clinics, particularly focussing our efforts on malnourished children under five, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

GOAL is also distributing emergency medical supplies and non-food items such as water cans, cooking utensils and plastic sheeting to affected families as well as securing clean water supplies for schools so the children can continue being educated.

Approximately 285,000 people will benefit from GOAL's emergency health and nutrition interventions as well as a further 60,000 people who will benefit from the establishment of clean water supplies.