60 million is being allocated to the Horn of Africa to help the region deal with the health and socio-economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Commission announced on Wednesday 17 June.
These funds will enable the establishment of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Emergency Coordination Unit, which is responsible for coordinating national responses to the pandemic in the Horn of Africa, as well as the Rapid Regional Response Team that will be deployed to the region.
The focus will be on vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, displaced persons and cross-border communities. The programme will provide medical and personal protection equipment, including 3.5 million surgical masks, 70,000 test kits and 24 ambulances, and will promote regional monitoring and control systems through digital solutions.
“Almost 430,000 people, mainly women and children, will receive necessary basic care and immunisation, while almost 570,000 people will benefit from essential water supplies and basic sanitation and hygiene services”, said Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, quoted in a statement.
The programme will also support measures for the safe circulation of goods and commodities through Safe Trade Zones, thereby preserving critical supply chains, such as food, fuel and medicines, the Commission said. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)