Brussels, 17/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 17 March, the European Commission decided to allocate €30 million in humanitarian aid to improve drought preparedness in the Greater Horn of Africa. The lives and livelihoods of around 12 million people are at risk in the region because of recurrent severe droughts. The Commission's aim is to reduce their vulnerability by helping communities to improve their response to and preparedness for recurrent drought cycles. Nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists in seven countries (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda) will benefit from the assistance. The new funding will bring the Commission's total humanitarian support for vulnerable people in the Greater Horn of Africa to almost €460 million since 2005.
The Commission aims to assist these people by concentrating its support on five major areas of need: water, animal health, human health, mainstreaming of community preparedness and coordination. The Commission's financial support covers: the maintenance of critical water points; the mapping of water sources; providing water maintenance equipment; the formation of community networks; support for traditional structures (such as camel trains to carry water); improved access to unused rangelands (where possible and appropriate); support for early warning systems and institutions responsible for disaster prevention and preparedness at regional and district level; vaccination campaigns (for humans, in particular children, as well as animals); the delivery of primary health care (including mother and child health care); and improved sanitation.
This new funding follows on from the previous Regional Drought Decision for the Greater Horn of Africa, worth €10 million, that was adopted in 2006. All funds are channelled through the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (Echo). (O.L.)