Brussels, 02/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Commission is granting EUR10 million for victims of drought in Tajikistan. Over the next twelve months, the funds allocated via ECHO Office will serve to provide basic food aid for some 55 000 people, including 15 000 children suffering from acute or severe malnutrition. Food security projects will also be set up to assist 27 000 vulnerable households in rural areas. Some 250 000 people will gain better access to drinking water. With the aim of reducing the mortality rate caused by epidemics of infectious disease, the entire population of 6.3 million will have improved access to primary health care. The projects will be implemented by ECHO's partners: NGOs, UN agencies and the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The Commission has granted Tajikistan over €125 million in humanitarian aid since 1993.