Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Addis Ababa (Agenzia Fides) – Although good rains this year in Ethiopia may produce a good harvest, before the end of the year some 15 million of Ethiopia’s 66 million may die, not of hunger but of Malaria. This was affirmed in a statement issued yesterday by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.
After months of prolonged drought which led to a food crisis in Ethiopia, rainfall from June to September this year has left pools of stagnant water that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and insect carried diseases such as Malaria. The malaria epidemic follows a food emergency which left millions dependent on foreign aid.
Normally in Ethiopia 5 million cases of malaria are reported every year, and in about 100.000 of these cases, the disease leads to death.
“Women and children are the most at risk this year” says the head of UNICEF Ethiopia. “It is estimated that some 15 million risk infection and international help to fight malaria is necessary if we want to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.” Funds available at the moment are enough to cure one third of the disease stricken people. At least 5 million Euro are needed for prevention measures. (MS) (Fides Service, 23/10/2003 – 23 lines 258 words)
