§ John BarrettTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the drought in southern Ethiopia. [127937]
§ Hilary BennInadequate rainfall affected food production in many parts of the country, leading vulnerable communities to experience food shortages and nutrition related illnesses. In response, food aid has 83W been distributed, and supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes have been established to assist those most affected.
This response has helped to reduce levels of malnutrition. However recent reports have indicated high levels of child malnutrition persisting in some parts of southern region. In these districts, government and NGOs are distributing dry ration (cereals), targeted supplementary food and have established additional therapeutic feeding centres.
The situation has now stabilised. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to provide additional support as necessary.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the levels of child prostitution in Ethiopia. [127943]
§ Hilary BennIn May this year the Ethiopian Government ratified the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (182) which commits it to take immediate and effective measures to secure prohibition and elimination of extreme forms of child labour including the use, procuring or offering of children for prostitution or pornography. We do not currently have access to published statistics specifying the extent of the problem in Ethiopia.
DFID has funded an Information Communications Technologies project (ICT) in partnership with civil society organisations and the private sector, which seeks to provide street children with skills to enable them to gain beneficial employment. Specific project outputs include: ICT-based support to a girls club for the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and ICT delivery of health related and life skills established through a drop-in centre for the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what work his Department is undertaking with the Government of Ethiopia to ensure that all Ethiopians suffering from the HIV and aids virus have access to anti-retroviral drugs; and if he will make a statement. [127944]
§ Hilary BennAn estimated 2.1 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, from a population of 67 million.
The Government of Ethiopia are continuing to work on necessary health regulatory systems such as anti-retroviral guidelines on formulation and dosage, and on the procurement, distribution and use of anti-retroviral drugs in Ethiopia. In July 2003, anti-retroviral drugs (generic and brand names) were legally introduced in Ethiopia for paying patients. However, due to scarcity of resources, the Government of Ethiopia are unable to provide free anti-retroviral drugs to all.
DFID is funding Medecins Sans Frontiers to undertake a pilot HIV/AIDS project in Humera in West Tigray to distribute anti-retroviral drugs for treating HIV/AIDS patients. This is being done in close collaboration with the Regional Health Bureau and National HIV/AIDS Council and will serve as a pilot for larger scale schemes.