What progress have you made since your last update?
We have increased production with the addition of another industrial mixer, but could use another one (cost is roughly $25,000). We are distributing RUTF through the Tigray Regional Health Bureau and are continuing to collect nutritional data. We recently held a successful fundraising campaign in the US to support this work and raised over $100,000, which is a help.
The political situation in Tigray continues to be fragile. Armed conflict has again broken out in the country but so far the rebel factions have retreated to the mountains and major cities have been spare.
There has also been a near-total crop failure in Tigray this year due to persistent drought, locusts, and the destruction of transportation and other infrastructure from the previous war. It is likely that famine will hit this region this winter. The price of fuel continues to be high due to disruptions in world oll markets and the turmoil along the Red Sea, which is where Ethiopia gets almost all of its imports (via the port of Djibouti)
What are your next steps?
We are increasing production as quickly as possible, but this requires additional important essential ingredients for the foods.
Is there anything others could help you with?
We need funding for an additional mixer ($25,000), funding to install solar power to cope with fuel shortages and power fluctuations ($25,000), and further help with importing additional essential ingredients such as powdered milk, vitamin-mineral premix, and essential fatty acids needed for brain development.