It's not all work at a Food For The Hungry site, photo via fh.org

Hunger and disease still stalk Kenya and Ethiopia

The cholera outbreak in Kenya and Ethiopia has been contained for now. However, the prolonged drought is aggravating food shortage and water access problems and creating ripe conditions for another outbreak, reports MNN.

Thousands of animal farmers are going to Ethiopia in search of pasture and water to keep their flocks alive. Children are going with their parents and abandoning their education. The schools also are struggling: many can't provide food under the school-feeding programs. In the areas hardest hit, health clinics are struggling to keep patients hydrated and fed because of the water and food shortages.

The Food for the Hungry Emergency Response Unit (ERU) was dispatched to both Kenya and Ethiopia to address the cholera outbreaks from earlier in the spring. The outbreak in Kenya was concentrated in the Laisamis and Merille Districts in the North.

Once established, the teams worked to reduce severe dehydration among victims of cholera by providing Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), as well as training on how to use them properly. They also worked at educating and encouraging basic hygiene (washing hands with soap) in areas with vulnerable groups.

This program came through a village outreach program led by Community Health Workers. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and other NGOs, Food for the Hungry has reached 12 villages made up of more than 50 households each.

In Ethiopia, the ERU's response was in Bulbula, an area where Food for the Hungry (FH) walks alongside orphans and vulnerable children, providing HIV/AIDS care, (including support to orphans and vulnerable children), as well as supplementary feeding to combat malnutrition. They also collaborated with the local health department, providing much-need medicine and other supplies for a government-run cholera treatment center.

Although the crisis is over for now, the conditions threaten another cholera strike. Food For The Hungry's Pete Howard says their Emergency Response Unit left tools behind and survivability is much better. "The epidemic has gone away, and I'm encouraged that these communities are now prepared in the future for further epidemics that could come through. These communities understand how to respond better."

Partnership with the local churches is another line of defense. "As we are working in these communities, bringing the appropriate medicine, and working on health and hygiene and proper nutrition, we're also sharing the love of Jesus Christ and loving these people in the way that Jesus loves us."

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TAGS: Kenya Ethiopia disease hunger food shortage education Food for the Hungry cholera strike local churches

[08/31/2009]

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