Severe Acute Malnutrition in Hararghe zones, Oromia
These SAM children pictures are all from Malka Balo district (Jaja Health Centre at Jaja Town where three death cases: one in the facility and the other two at homes- are reported) of East Haraghe zones in June 2009. Similar situation is prevailing also in most woredas of West Haraghe zone.
The SAM was caused due to poverty and critical food shortage, partly due to failure of crop production both last year and this year's Arfassa/Badhessa (Belg) season production and depletion of livestock assets and their prodcuts following critical shortage of feed and water which led to massive death cases and lack of milk production.
Dictator Meles Zenawi is no stranger to using food as a political weapon in a country where many people are locked into a desperate struggle to put the next meal on the table. By blocking all aid groups operating in the Oromia Region he has once again concentrated crucial supplies into the hands of his cronies.
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