Army worm infestation in SNNP and Oromia Regions
As of 24 May, some 8,368 hectares of belg cropland was reportedly destroyed by army worms in Wolayita zone of SNNPR - an area that suffered from late onset of the 2013 belg rains and subsequent heavy rains that damaged belg crops. The damage caused by the army worms will further reduce the expected harvest this season. Similar incidents were also reported from Boricha, Bona Zuria, Dara, Dale, Hawassa Zuria and Loko Abaya woredas of Sidama zone; Loma and Mareka woredas of Dawro zone (SNNPR), as well as from drought prone areas of East and West Hararge zones of Oromia Region; and quickly spreading to neighbouring areas. In Boricha woreda, for example, more than 655 hectares of belg cropland was destroyed in the course of one week, this is indicative of the speed that damage is being caused. Immediate distribution of spraying containers and chemicals to the farmers is required to prevent further loss of belg crops. For more information, contact: Wondimagegne.Shiferaw@fao.org
Health Update
The number of meningitis cases has gradually declined since the outbreak was declared in January. To date, 1,371 cases were reported from 24 woredas in five zones of SNNP and Oromia Regions. The Government, with support from health partners, is conducting a reactive vaccination in the affected areas, with 1, 678,220 people vaccinated so far. Next week, the number of people vaccinated during the Addis Ababa City Administration meningitis vaccination campaign, conducted from 20 to 26 May, will be released.
Meanwhile, the number of kebeles reporting cases of Yellow Fever in South Ari, Benatsemay and Selmago woredas of South Omo zone, SNNPR, increased. To date, 117 cases were reported and six cases confirmed. The South Ari Woreda Health Office, in collaboration with the Regional Health Bureau (RHB), the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute’s Public Health Emergency Management center (EHNRI/PHEM) and WHO, vaccinated 14,000 people of the 20,000 targeted in the four kebeles where the confirmed cases were reported. The RHB, with support from health partners, continues to implement the standard prevention and control strategy, including, vector control, case management, social mobilization and enhancing surveillance. For more information, contact: whowro@et.afro.who.int