Brussels, 14/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is providing humanitarian aid worth €2 Million to communities affected by prolonged drought in southern and central Mozambique. The support is being channelled through the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) and will provide access to safe water and prevent water-borne diseases. They include rehabilitation of boreholes and water tanks; water chlorination; the construction of toilet, hand washing and laundry facilities; distribution of soap and other hygiene items; and public health education. Given the heavy burden of HIV/AIDS in the targeted areas, all humanitarian interventions will include a component dealing with HIV/AIDS awareness.
Aid will be implemented through the United Nations agencies, the Red Cross/Crescent movement and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).