In addition, the rains, coupled with poor sanitation in most camps, will lead to an increase in water-borne diseases. Malaria will also become a major health problem in areas below 2,000 meters elevation. Shelter is a major concern in the IDP camps. Ethiopian troops destroyed almost everything in their path, including grain reserves, livestock, homes, equipment, and infrastructure. In addition, both Eritrean and Ethiopian troops laid landmines in areas of conflict, further compromising the safety of returning populations.
Food security is one of Eritrea's most pressing humanitarian needs.
Even in good harvest years, Eritrea has been a food deficit country. Furthermore, nearly 50 percent of the country's cereals are produced in the western, lowland, Gash Barka region, which is still occupied by Ethiopian forces. The Ethiopian Government has said that these troops will not leave the occupied areas until the United Nations peacekeeping forces arrive, possibly two to three months from now. This loss, plus an estimated annual food deficit of 140,000 MT, indicates a need for 380,000 MT in food aid. In a UN Flash Appeal, expected to be issued soon, the Eritrean Government and the UN Country Team will estimate supplemental food requirements, which will be crucial to maintaining the health of IDPs and refugees, particularly women and children.