Facts about Ethiopia

• Ethiopia is in the midst of another widespread famine due to the combined effects of drought, increased food prices and insufficient resources for preventative measures. Currently, over 4.5 million Ethiopians are in need of emergency food relief and thousands of children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition. Emergency food relief centers are running over capacity in an attempt to keep up with demand.

• Tuberculosis, malaria and sexually transmitted diseases are the top health issues.

• Ethiopia today remains one of the poorest countries in the world and its people continue to endure terrible suffering.

• Ethiopia has a large and extremely vulnerable population of 74.7 million, with an estimated 50 percent of the population living below the poverty line.

• HIV/AIDS remains one of the key challenges for the overall development of Ethiopia, as it has led to a seven-year decrease in life expectancy and a greatly reduced workforce.

• In the health sector, there is a shortage of workers and counselors, poor access to minimal health services and  inadequate sanitation.

• Reduced productivity, civil conflict, poor farming conditions, and recurrent droughts leave 6 to 13 million people at risk of starvation each year.