Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund

As the second-most populous country in Africa, Ethiopia continues to face huge humanitarian needs due to a combination of conflict, community violence, climate shocks and disease outbreaks.

Amid ongoing peace in Northern Ethiopia (Afar, Amhara and Tigray), access to food, water and health services has improved since the end of 2022. However, the conflict in other regions remains a barrier to aid delivery.

About EHF

The Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) has been one of the leading sources of humanitarian financing in Ethiopia since its establishment in 2006. It has responded to disasters triggered by natural causes, such as droughts and floods, as well as complex conflict-related crises.

The EHF supports timely and flexible disbursement of funds to the most critical humanitarian needs, as highlighted in the annual Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and also unexpected emergency needs. This is achieved through a consultative process and the principles of inclusivity, flexibility, timeliness, efficiency, partnership, transparency and value for money.

Currently, Ethiopia is facing severe humanitarian challenges that include food shortages due to droughts, disease outbreaks, localized intercommunal conflict and seasonal flooding. These challenges continue to exacerbate an ongoing humanitarian crisis that is already affecting 24 million people in Ethiopia, and has the potential to exacerbate it further.

As the rainy season approaches, relief workers and aid experts warn that a failure to receive adequate rains could lead to a new wave of famine in northern Ethiopia. A deteriorating situation in the Tigray region, where rebels have been fighting against the federal government and its allies for nine months, has contributed to the continued shortage of food and other supplies.

In the meantime, the Ethiopian government has suspended aid from a number of international organizations working in Tigray. These include Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Norwegian Refugee Council, both of which have long been active in Tigray. The suspension is emblematic of a broader pattern of aid obstruction and politicization by the Ethiopian government that threatens the safety of humanitarian organizations working in the region and the civilian population they serve.

Despite these threats, the humanitarian community continues to provide lifesaving aid in Ethiopia. We work in drought and flood-prone regions to build resilience, promote gender equality, mobilize for immunizations and mitigate the impact of HIV. We also provide livelihoods support to farmers and entrepreneurs, as well as health, nutrition and water and sanitation assistance.

Mission

The Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund’s vision is to support a timely, lifesaving and needs-based response that helps to build resilience to the most vulnerable people. The Fund will help to meet humanitarian needs across Ethiopia through a combination of cash and in-kind donations.

The EHF is working with a range of partners to address the country’s ongoing complex emergency and support a holistic approach that seeks to improve livelihoods, protect children and strengthen resilience. The Fund is focusing on providing food, water, shelter and protection services to the most vulnerable.

Droughts in southern and southeastern parts of the country have caused severe food insecurity, deteriorating nutrition conditions, and loss of livelihoods. WFP estimates that at least 8.1 million people in these regions need assistance.

In northern parts of the country, a conflict in the Tigray region has resulted in large numbers of people displaced from their homes and inaccessible to humanitarian agencies. The crisis continues to escalate, with an increased risk of violence and insecurity, which threatens the delivery of aid and the lives of humanitarian workers.

The UK government is supporting the Ethiopia Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) to tackle this crisis in the country, bringing in PS5 million of funding to provide aid to those most in need. This will include feeding programmes to help 42,000 school children, treating 23,000 pregnant and lactating women suffering from moderate acute malnutrition, and providing better infrastructure for food distributions.

Vision

In Ethiopia, millions of people are facing multiple crises arising from drought, flooding, inter-communal violence and conflict. The humanitarian response is a complex one that requires the support of a wide range of partners.

To support a timely, coordinated and principled humanitarian response that is responsive to the needs of people in crisis.

The EHF is a country-based pooled fund that provides emergency assistance to communities affected by crises across the globe. It is a flexible mechanism, able to rapidly respond to unforeseen emergencies.

With the support of EHF, Sida focuses on five key areas: IDPs; durable solutions and protection; resilience; women’s rights and empowerment; and food security.

To reduce and eliminate morbidity and mortality due to acute malnutrition in a large number of vulnerable groups, especially children under the age of five and pregnant or lactating women.

This is done through a focus on targeted interventions, such as the provision of essential lifesaving foods and medicines, as well as increased access to health care services.

In addition, Sida aims to strengthen the capacity of local CSOs to implement effective gender-focused humanitarian programmes that address women’s and girls’ rights, including by promoting their participation in crisis planning and response. This is done by financing programmematic activities that: enhance the safety, security and mental health of women and girls and ensure their human rights are respected; reinforce their institutional capacity to work on gender-specific issues in peace and humanitarian contexts; and promote a sustainable impact for local CSOs.

Goals

Ethiopia has made impressive development gains in recent years, reducing poverty and expanding social services. However, armed conflict, climate shocks and disease outbreaks continue to have an impact on the lives of many.

Across the country, food insecurity and malnutrition remain high. An estimated 20.4 million people need assistance to meet their basic needs. This includes children, pregnant and lactating women, and adults.

Affected communities also have limited access to water and sanitation. WFP and its partners are working to improve the availability of clean drinking water and provide safe toilets in the areas where they are most needed.

There is also an urgent need to improve the quality of health care. Health facilities are under-staffed and there is a shortage of qualified medical staff. In some regions, communicable diseases, poor water and hygiene conditions, and low vaccination coverage remain major public health challenges.

To support this work, EHF’s strategy is to increase its funding to areas of need in Ethiopia. This includes drought-affected areas in the Oromia, Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions.

We are investing in programmes that will help the government address the critical issues of food security and nutrition, water, sanitation, protection, and health, with a focus on the most vulnerable. In addition, we are supporting smallholder farmers and their communities to adapt to the changing climate.

We are also providing vital emergency aid to the most vulnerable in the Tigray region. Since the signing of a peace agreement in November, humanitarian access has improved. Humanitarians are now able to reach affected areas and distribute essential supplies, such as fuel. But there are still significant constraints, especially in Tigray. These include restrictions on the transportation of humanitarian aid into the region and on the amount of fuel trucks can carry.

Strategy

The Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund responds to emergency needs triggered by natural disasters (droughts, floods and outbreaks of disease) as well as complex conflict-related crises. It supports timely and flexible disbursement of funds to international and national non-governmental organizations and UN agencies in the country.

A significant part of the EHF’s funding is also used to support resilience initiatives in conflict-affected areas. These are often designed to strengthen the capacity of local communities and local institutions, enabling them to better cope with recurring humanitarian challenges such as drought and conflict.

Food insecurity is an ongoing scourge in Ethiopia, exacerbated by droughts that are increasingly frequent and long-lasting. This means that food assistance is required in a variety of ways, including in drought-affected regions, where specialized nutritious foods are needed for malnourished children and mothers; as well as to help boost smallholder farmer households’ livelihoods by providing seeds and fertilizers, training on small-scale, drought-resistant farming techniques and other forms of livelihood support.

These broader resilience efforts are also designed to help build local systems, which can improve access and delivery of aid to vulnerable people in future. This is a key strategy for the EHF to pursue, as it reflects an increasing need for support to address the nexus between development and relief work in countries where both sectors are under pressure.

The UK recently provided a further PS5 million to support the Productive Safety Net programme and World Food Programme, ensuring that a further 23,000 pregnant and lactating women and over 42,000 school children in Ethiopia are supported with life-saving nutrition treatment and improved feeding infrastructure. This new UK funding is part of a longstanding commitment to help address the country’s urgent humanitarian needs.

Bring Love In to the Orphans and Widows of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is home to many orphans and widows. We at Bring Love In have been compelled by God to bring hope, care and education to these vulnerable people.

In Ethiopia, family is a key defining aspect of people’s lives. Relatives are often reliant on each other to meet daily challenges.

Child Care

Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of orphans and widows in Africa. Nearly 12% of children in Ethiopia have lost a parent, making it a country that is desperately in need of care and resources to ensure these kids receive the support they need.

Child care is an important part of any child’s development and is essential to help them grow strong, healthy, and happy. However, many families in Ethiopia lack the means to provide this care.

Thankfully, there are organizations that have found ways to provide this type of care. These charities can help you sponsor a child, donate, or volunteer.

The first charity on this list is Partnership for Change (PFC). This Norwegian NGO has a program in Ethiopia that helps women secure economic independence through education and daycare.

PFC believes that education is key to overcoming poverty. They have developed a program that offers low-cost, quality education to Ethiopian children who would otherwise be unable to attend school.

Aside from education, this nonprofit organization also focuses on health and nutrition. They aim to provide a safe place for children to come to where they can have access to good food, healthcare, and social support.

There are also programs that focus on family preservation, reunification, and foster care. These organizations have a proven track record of protecting the rights of children and helping them develop in to healthy, independent adults.

Orphanages may offer a way to provide children with a safe place for their needs, but they’re not intended to be a long-term solution. Only a family can truly support a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

Education

Ethiopia has a strong education system, but it still has significant barriers to learning. One of the biggest problems is poverty, which prevents children from obtaining the basic materials they need to succeed. Often, families must choose between food and school supplies.

In addition, a large percentage of children do not complete their primary or secondary school education. This means that they are not prepared for the challenges of life.

The KIDUS FOUNDATION educational project directly supports widows’ children to attend school by paying for their tuition lessons and materials. The project is designed to break the cycle of poverty, and your monthly support can change a child’s life forever.

Educated children are much more likely to survive and thrive. They are also more likely to have better health, higher incomes and more opportunities.

Through your gift, you can help Ethiopia’s children get the education they need to become leaders in their communities. You can sponsor a child for about $1.00 a day, and your support will ensure that they have access to nutritious food, clean water, and an education.

With your help, we can continue to empower these orphaned and widowed children in Ethiopia so they can have a chance at a brighter future.

Our hope is to see the community of Kechene become a place where orphans are loved, marriages are strengthened, and widows are equipped with job skills. We are able to do this by working through Christ-centered practices in the local church.

The Rafiki Foundation works to cultivate a multitude of godly contributors by: caring for orphans, teaching Bible study and Classical Christian education, giving help to widows, and equipping church schools with quality educational facilities. The Foundation reaches ten African countries and has a network of ten Rafiki Training Villages that provide living and education for their communities.

Health

Orphans and widows of Ethiopia represent a critical population that needs to be targeted for care. USAID’s orphan and vulnerable child (OVC) programs support communities to help them build capacity for child protection, including through strengthening social welfare systems, addressing key health risks and facilitating access to HIV services.

Orphans are children who have lost a parent or guardian because of death, illness or adoption. During the global AIDS epidemic, the term orphan became a category of vulnerable children deserving special protection, and currently, the notion of ‘orphans and vulnerable children’ (OVC) dominates much of the policy for protecting children across sub-Saharan Africa.

OVC programs also focus on reducing critical remaining risks to the health of these populations such as loss of follow-up of infants with HIV and low viral load suppression among children living with HIV. In addition, they focus on improving community-based response to these critical remaining risks through community health worker training and technical assistance.

The level of utilization of Antenatal Care (ANC), use of skilled delivery attendants and postnatal care (PNC) services are important determinants that can help to reduce maternal mortality. However, utilization of these crucial services is poor in Ethiopia and is affected by a number of socio-cultural, perceived benefits and accessibility-related factors.

Women who live in urban areas are more likely to use skilled ANC attendants compared to women in rural locations. Similarly, use of ANC by never married women is more common than among those who are married.

In addition, women who are not working are less likely to use ANC than those who are employed. This suggests that they may not be as financially responsible for their family’s health care needs, which could be the reason why they are not using these services.

Nutrition

Nutrition is a key component of health care and has a major impact on child development, growth, and mental health. In Ethiopia, child malnutrition is a serious public health problem and one of the highest in the world. It is the leading cause of child mortality and has a direct impact on children’s cognitive, physical, and school performance later in life.

Despite the fact that Ethiopia has made great progress in improving food security, nutritional status continues to be a major challenge. High levels of undernutrition among children and pregnant women negatively affect their ability to achieve and maintain optimal health, resulting in poor growth and development and increased risk of chronic diseases.

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from the start of pregnancy through the age of two, are often referred to as the critical window of opportunity for a child’s health and development [1, 2]. Malnutrition during this time can have long-lasting and severe negative effects on a child’s health, cognitive development, and physical growth.

Although Ethiopia has made tremendous strides in increasing food security, many households still have limited access to nutritious foods due to economic constraints and high levels of hunger and poverty. To address this challenge, USAID is supporting Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program, a multi-sector approach focused on nutrition-related activities to reach food insecure households.

Using an anthropometric and dietary assessment, researchers from the University of Addis Ababa evaluated the nutritional status of orphans and widows in four woredas (districts) in the capital city of Addis Ababa. The survey examined the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in children under five years of age. The study also assessed the relationship between nutrition status and socio-economic factors, such as household wealth, maternal education, food security, and vitamin A supplementation.

Life Skills

Ethiopia is home to over 4,500,000 orphans and countless widows who struggle with poverty, lack of education, and food insecurity. The World Orphans Orphan Care Team is partnering with churches in Addis Ababa to provide Gospel-centered training and funding that will transform the lives of these vulnerable children and families.

Despite the best efforts of many NGOs, some orphanages in Africa have closed down due to war, disease and natural disaster. These closures have shifted the burden to family members who may not be able to financially support their children.

In these situations, ONETrack International works with Transition to Home NGOs who offer a variety of life skills programs for children to help them reunite with their families and live at home. The program offers a holistic approach to the child’s needs, including education and medical care.

The Strong Families Care Center provides a safe and nurturing place for children to grow up in, while their mothers work to support their families. Mothers also receive training in healthcare and hygiene, child development, parenting, and life skills to help them become self-sufficient and less at risk of abandoning their children.

With this program, we harness the power of what is called “resonance effect.” After completing the training, women often become the strongest advocates for it and want to share their new knowledge with others in their community.

Through our Meserete Hiwot Fund (Basis for Life in Amharic), we are providing youth from age 19 to 22 with life skills that will empower them to start their own businesses, and to find meaningful work. These programs will not only give these young people the necessary resources to start their own business, but they will be trained in job readiness and placed with a job that will provide them with financial independence.

Make a Big Impact With Donations to Ethiopia

With your help, we can reach the most vulnerable communities and people in Ethiopia with life-saving aid. It’s a simple way to make a big impact that you can feel good about.

In the midst of a deadly COVID-19 pandemic, recurring drought, and conflict, Ethiopia is one of the most in need countries in the world. Fortunately, there are many organizations working to help.

The Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund

The Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) is a country-based pooled fund, managed by the UN, that supports a timely, principled and effective humanitarian response to urgent needs in Ethiopia. Its funding is unearmarked and it is distributed directly to partner organizations on the frontlines of response as needed.

The humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia is threatening the lives of millions and putting at risk the livelihoods of many. Insecurity and violence are exacerbating the situation and limiting humanitarian access to Tigray, the epicenter of the conflict. This escalation of conflict is creating safety and security risks for humanitarian workers who are trying to deliver aid.

In addition to this, drought continues to cause severe food insecurity and deteriorating nutrition conditions across the country. It is particularly acute in agro-pastoralist communities and pastoral areas, affecting water supply and livestock. It is also causing an increase in disease outbreaks, exacerbated by poor agricultural production and lack of food security.

Throughout the country, there are many people who are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. These include the displaced, who are in need of safe shelter and adequate food. They are also in need of basic services like clean water, medical care and education.

There are also people who have been forced out of their homes due to conflict and need help moving into new homes, as well as people in need of protection from violence. This includes women, children and adolescents who are often the target of attacks.

As a result of this escalating conflict, more than 200,000 families are now in need of assistance. Your donation will provide food, shelter and water to these families.

This is a life-saving assistance that will help those who are in need and will give them the chance to rebuild their lives. The UK has a longstanding history of helping Ethiopia and is committed to supporting the humanitarian response to the current crises.

Donations to Ethiopia are a great way to support the country and its people, and will ensure that those in need receive the help they deserve. It is important to note that there are different types of donations that you can make to Ethiopia, including cash donations.

The International Rescue Committee

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides lifesaving help to people uprooted by war, repression, disaster and poverty. It has worked in more than 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, helping millions of people survive and recover from crisis.

Often the first on the scene and the last to leave, the IRC is recognized as a leading organization in humanitarian emergencies. Whether providing lifesaving care to refugees or offering long-term assistance to displaced people, IRC is dedicated to restoring dignity and hope in exile.

IRC’s emergency relief, resettlement and development programs are focused on health, education, economic wellbeing and empowerment. These programs are driven by a strong belief that all people, especially women and girls, have a right to quality care and an equal chance at a fair and safe future.

In addition to addressing the needs of displaced populations, IRC works with communities in the midst of conflict and disaster, supporting peacebuilding efforts. The IRC is present in more than 18 countries throughout Africa, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. IRC’s programs are designed to address the immediate and long-term needs of communities that have been affected by conflict, drought or other natural disasters.

The IRC’s programs include social work services to help individual survivors of violence; economic empowerment activities to support women and girls at-risk of violence; community education and mobilization projects around gender-based violence; training and capacity building for NGOs and governments; coordination of humanitarian services; and advocacy efforts to advance laws preventing violence against women, and the enforcement of policies ensuring survivors’ access to care and legal justice. The IRC also supports the implementation of the UN Global Compact on Gender Equality and the establishment of a gender focal point within IRC headquarters.

As a result of the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which has seen the deaths of over 70,000 people and forced displacement of more than 1.7 million, IRC is concerned about the humanitarian situation there and calls for urgent life-saving action and support. The IRC’s emergency operations are funded by the United Nations and other partners, as well as donations from individuals like you.

Oxfam

Oxfam is a global movement of millions who share the belief that poverty is not inevitable. The organization has a large and diverse network of local partners on the ground, and can quickly respond to crises and conflict.

The organization focuses on eradicating poverty in developing countries, and it is well-known for its ability to influence policy at the international and national levels. It has worked in more than 30 countries, assisting communities in overcoming the immediate effects of natural disasters and conflict, and working toward long-term goals of rebuilding and improving education and health services.

Founded in 1942 by a group of Quakers, Oxfam has become one of the world’s most well-known charitable organizations. It works to eradicate poverty through advocacy campaigns and development programs.

While the majority of Oxfam’s funding comes from the public, they also receive support from a variety of private donors. This allows them to make donations to specific projects as they arise.

As the world’s largest and most well-known nonprofit, Oxfam is able to make a major impact on global poverty. It is a leader in international anti-poverty efforts, and it can reach more than 25.7 million people in need.

It has a wide variety of programs, including education and health, food aid, emergency relief, and gender-based violence prevention. Its international network of 3,000 partner organizations provides assistance to communities in over 100 countries.

Oxfam is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means that it does not take U.S. government grants, but it does accept donations from the general public.

The organization was founded by a group of Quakers in the UK, and it grew from a local charity to a global organization. Initially, its focus was on Europe, but the plight of refugees in Greece led it to expand its geographic reach. In 1951, Oxfam provided funding for famine relief in Bihar, India, which at the time was one of the poorest and most populated states in the country.

In the United States, Oxfam is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a policy and campaigns office in Washington, D.C. Its social justice campaigns program focuses on lobbying Congress and the executive branch, creating action-oriented research, organizing briefings, conferences, and speaker tours, issuing reports, and conducting outreach to advocate for its policy preferences.

Touching Hands

The landlocked country of Ethiopia has made progress in many development areas, including poverty reduction and increasing life expectancy, enrollment in primary education and access to medical care. Yet the threat of hunger and insecurity remains constant. A recent drought, exacerbated by conflicts in nearby countries and increased violence within the nation, has pushed millions of people into crisis.

Children in Ethiopia often suffer from severe malnutrition and famine when the weather is bad and they don’t get enough food. But they don’t always face these severe problems, especially if they have access to basic health services and knowledge about how to prevent illnesses and treat illness as soon as they happen.

We help families in need in Ethiopia by helping them access nutritious food, water and other essentials. We also provide education for parents and their children about healthy eating, preventing diseases like diarrhoea, breastfeeding and other nutrition-related issues, as well as income-generation training to help them boost their earnings.

Our programs for children in Ethiopia include child sponsorship, which helps provide a monthly supply of food, water and other essentials. Your tax-deductible support gives kids the resources they need to escape a cycle of poverty and succeed in school and in their future.

Your donations are also used to teach people about hygiene, preventing the spread of diarrheal diseases, and other topics that can save lives. We work with schools and community organizations to build handwashing facilities, teach parents about sanitary practices and provide educational materials on hygiene, parenting and sanitation.

In addition, our team of volunteers has provided hands-on medical and dental services in rural and urban settings across Ethiopia. These missions have included the treatment of hypertension, diabetes and other local maladies.

But our most important work is in children’s lives and it’s why we started in Ethiopia in 1994. Your tax-deductible donations to our Child Sponsorship program make it possible for children in need to receive the resources they need to thrive and live long, happy lives.

Our missionaries have worked with international and local water filtration companies to help provide clean drinking water to those in need, which can prevent the spread of diarrhoeal diseases. We also train doctors and nurses, and provide health and dental clinics that can treat emergencies like burns, eye injuries and other illnesses.