Government’s drought response helped protect vulnerable citizens from catastrophe

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2023 (FBC) – In his response to issues raised by members of the parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the government’s adequate response to the drought condition in several parts of the country has helped protect many vulnerable citizens from further catastrophe.

The Government in collaboration with partners and the Ethiopians at large, has managed to prevent the drought from transforming into hunger, the Prime Minister pointed out.

Many people would have been highly impacted if the government didn’t respond immediately to the drought situation that affected various parts of the country, he said.

Humanitarian aid has been delivered to 3.6 million citizens in areas identified as hotspots in 10 zones found in 3 regions, the Premier stated.

Moreover, 6 million drought affected people in 32 zones of 8 regions have received humanitarian assistance, as 300,000 people in the South Omo Zone alone have been accessed with aid, the Prime Minister added.

Activities will be undertaken to address the water shortage in the Borena Zone, he said, highlighting immense land resources in the area.

The Prime Minister expressed his optimism that the humanitarian assistance recipients will ensure self-sufficiency in the coming years.