Situation Report: Greater Horn of Africa Food Insecurity and Health - Grade 3 Emergency — 15 November 2022 - 31 December 2022

Overview

• The Greater Horn of Africa (GHoA) countries are facing a serious food insecurity crisis due to failed rainy seasons as well as flooding in other areas and various other factors.
• The ongoing climate crisis, pre-existing conflicts, and global inflation have put more than 46 million people at risk of acute food insecurity.
• Somalia reports 300 cases of cholera a week, three times more than previous two Decembers. Kenya experiences a severe outbreak of cholera, with 3,306 cases since October, whereas cases in Ethiopia increased by 30% in December compared to the month before.
• Although measles vaccination campaigns are implemented, large outbreaks in multiple areas remain prevalent across all seven GHoA countries.
• An estimated 8.3 million people (48% of the total population assessed) across Somalia are expected to face IPC Phase 3+ food insecurity between April and June 2023,
• The total estimated acute malnutrition burden in Somalia is expected to reach approximately 1.8 million children, through July 2023.
• Due to the poor harvest season in Uganda and reduced rains, it is projected that the region is likely to experience a resurgence of high acute malnutrition cases.
• The drought situation in Kenya remains critical in 22 of the 23 arid and semi-arid counties due to the late onset and poor performance of the October - December 2022 short rains.
• WHO continues to provide support by coordinating the efforts of health sector partners, in addition scaling up its assistance to the seven countries to enable them to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. WHO has also deployed funds, personnel, technical expertise and supplies.
• Various donors maintain the provision of financial support. However, as of 31 December, only 43% of the USD123.8 million WHO appeal for 2022 has been funded. A total of US$ 165.3 million is pledged in the outbreak and crisis response appeal for the Greater of Horn in 2023 [1]. Sustained humanitarian assistance will be essential to address the needs beyond 2022, and a rapid identification of additional funding and resources is needed to mitigate unprecedented morbidity and mortality.