WFP has also launched an emergency operation in Eritrea for the most vulnerable among the war-affected. Assistance will be given to 268,000 people consisting of 246,000 IDPs and 21,500 Eritreans from Ethiopia (either forced deportees or voluntary arrivals). Unfortunately to date the response to this appeal has been very poor. Sanitation and water supply to the IDPs is inadequate, and the public health risks are high. Food is also reported to be in "short supply" as are medicines and medical equipment (IRIN - 15/06/99; Oxfam - 27/04/99, RI-23/06/99).
Overall, the IDPs and returnees in Eritrea are thought to be at high risk as (category IIa), principally because of the public health problems and lack of funding in reposes to the appeal.
Priorities and recommendations:
· Funding is required for the Eritrean war-affected population appeal.
