Semera, Afar Region | 4 September 2026

Mothers and Children Multisectoral Development Organization (MCMDO) has officially launched a new integrated anticipatory drought response project in Kori Woreda, Afar Region, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and support vulnerable communities ahead of potential drought impacts.

Funded by the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), the project will deliver integrated support across Health, WASH and Protection, with a strong focus on acting early based on drought forecasts, early warning information and established triggers.

MCMDO’s Head of MEAL, Yenework Minalu, addresses participants during the project familiarization workshop for the new anticipatory drought response project in Kori Woreda, Afar Region.

The project familiarization workshop held in Semera provided an important platform for MCMDO and government stakeholders to align on the project’s objectives, planned interventions and coordination approach. Discussions emphasized the importance of early, coordinated and needs based humanitarian action to help reduce the effects of drought on pastoralist and agro pastoralist communities.

A key focus of the project is the anticipatory action approach, which enables humanitarian actors to take action before a crisis reaches its peak. By using early warning information and agreed drought triggers, support can be better positioned to reach communities when it is most needed.

Awoel Mohammed, NGO Coordination and Resource Mobilization Director at the Afar Regional Water and Energy Bureau, during the project familiarization workshop in Semera, Afar Region.

The launch also strengthened collaboration between MCMDO and relevant government stakeholders at regional and woreda levels. Participants highlighted the importance of continued coordination, information sharing, joint monitoring and meaningful community engagement throughout implementation.

Through this initiative, MCMDO aims to contribute to stronger preparedness, timely assistance and improved resilience among communities affected by drought in Kori Woreda.

The launch marks an important step towards coordinated anticipatory action in Afar Region and reinforces MCMDO’s commitment to working with communities and partners to deliver timely, integrated and effective humanitarian support.