Ethiopia remains one of the world’s least developed countries, ranked 174 out of 187 in the 2011 UNDP Human Development Index. Currently, the total number of acutely food insecure people stands at 3.7 million, of which nearly 68 per cent live in two regions (Somali and Oromia). Furthermore, given humanitarian needs, many NGOs and UN agencies are also working in Gambella and Assosa regions.
These regions are very far apart and, due to infrastructure limitations and insecurity, are difficult to reach by land. Air transportation is the only viable means to facilitate humanitarian access to beneficiaries. In addition, the large distances between the regions require an air service that can provide medical and security evacuations as and when required.
At present there are no commercially viable alternative air services to these regions. WFP/UNHAS Ethiopia provides air services to over 60 humanitarian organizations to nine destinations: Dollo Ado, Dire Dawa, Kebri Dehar, Jijiga, Gode, Warder, Assosa, Gambella and Semera.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Pascal Vuillet, Chief Air Transport Officer, WFP/UNHAS Ethiopia
Tel: +25 191 150 2268