Brussels, 22/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 22 May, the European Commission announced that €34 million is to be released immediately for the most vulnerable people in the Sahel region of Africa in order to address the wide-scale food crisis there.
“Millions of people in the Sahel are exposed to the risk of hunger and it is crucial that we keep helping to meet their immediate needs. This emergency aid continues in parallel with the European Union's work with the Sahel countries and partners on strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable people to future crises”, said European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.
The funding comes from the 11th European Development Fund reserve and will be delivered through cash, vouchers or food to the most vulnerable people in Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Niger, and Chad. Coming at the start of the lean season in the Sahel region, the funding will help bridge the gap until the next harvest.
Over 20 million people (one in seven) do not have enough affordable and nutritious food. At least 5.8 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition and 4.3 million people need emergency aid.
This new funding brings the Commission's total humanitarian aid for the Sahel region to €185 million since the start of the year. (Aminata Niang)