Addis Ababa: Support being provided to refugees sheltered in Ethiopia by the international aid agencies is inadequate, according to Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service.
Ethiopia currently hosts over one million refugees of various countries; Deputy Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service, Mulualem Desta told ENA urging the international community to provide the necessary basic provisions to the refugees as the issues of refugees require collective responsibilities.
He said Ethiopia has been discharging its responsibilities by receiving refugees, registering and providing them with the necessary shelters, among other vital services.
Ethiopia has also been helping the refugees by engaging them in various development activities including irrigation schemes in collaboration with the hosting communities, Mulualem added.
Furthermore, the Deputy Director General pointed out that successful refugees and host communities joint development projects are being carried out in seven camps located across
the country.
He said Ethiopia has also issued work and residence permits to more than 16,000 refugees over the past three months alone.
However, the support being provided to the refugees by the international aid agencies have currently been dwindling, he indicated.
Mulualem pointed out the pressure created due to lack of humanitarian aid citing the huge emergency relief gap being witnessed to the more than 42,000 Sudanese refugees arrived in Ethiopia through Metema and kumruk.
Hence, he urged the international aid agencies to provide sustainable support to the refugees with a view to ensuring their human rights by helping them receive basic provisions.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has gifted the mothers of eight babies born on the dawn of December 25 at various maternity wards in the county with Christmas hampers.
The hampers were delivered on the eve of Christmas to the mothers admitted to Kerugoya, Kianyaga, Kimbimbi, and Sagana hospitals. The mothers included those who had delivered and those who were waiting to deliver.
According to data received at the Kerugoya Referral Hospital Five babies had been delivered at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital; two others were born at Kianyaga Sub-County Hospital; while the eighth one was born at Kabare Health Centre.
Rachael Nyaga, a nurse at Kerugoya Hospital who handed over the gifts together with other health officials, said that about 150 mothers were targeted in the initiative.
A total of 60 new mothers received these hampers at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.
‘We are here to deliver these gifts on behalf of our governor to spread the Christmas message and good tidings from her, and we have
seen how happy the mothers are,’ said Nyaga.
The gift hamper included a baby bath basin, a baby shawl, wrappers, socks, a cap, lesos, diapers, and sanitary pads for the mothers.
Nyaga said the level five referral hospital is marking a significant milestone as it commemorates six months since the first admission at the new medical complex in June of this year. Since its opening, the facility has successfully facilitated 1565 deliveries.
She said the hospital has experienced a surge in the number of deliveries, a testament to the quality of healthcare services provided.
The nurse thanked Governor Waiguru for keeping to her Christmas tradition of gifting new mothers with gift hampers in all county maternity wards.
‘Here at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, approximately 60 new mothers have benefited from this initiative. The growth in our maternity ward has been remarkable since its inception, and this can be attributed to improved quality services offered by our medics, equipping of the facility with
modern equipment, and expanded space,’ Nyaga added.
The new mothers expressed joy after receiving the gift hampers, saying they felt more appreciated.
Grace Muthoni, a new mother, expressed her gratitude, stating she never anticipated such a delightful surprise.
‘I want to thank the governor for facilitating me with these items, which are sometimes hard to afford. This has lifted my spirits and made me feel much appreciated,’ she said.
Muthoni went on to praise the hospital for its unwavering support, highlighting the kindness and gentle care she had received from the nurses, the quality of services and food, and the clean and spacious maternity ward.
Nurse Virginia Muruga, who works in Kerugoya Maternity, said that they were very happy to see the mothers receive the gifts, as that complements the unit’s commitment to excellent service delivery.
Source: Kenya News Agency