afrol News, 19 May - The European Commission has announced a decision to grant €54 million to five Horn of Africa states hit by extreme weather conditions and continuing armed conflicts.

The European Development Commissioner, Louis Michel, said the Commission has decided to review the global approach in this region, with the aim to save lives of millions that are on the brink of collapse. “Our help is crucial in saving lives and tackling misery of people in the horn of Africa," said the commissioner.

From the funding, Somalia will receive €13 million to assist victims of continuing insecurity and climatic hazards with a focus on health and nutrition, the provision of water and sanitation, food and food security for displaced people and chronically vulnerable communities.

Somalia has been worst affected by the incessant conflict of close to two decades including drought and floods. The delivery of humanitarian aid has also become increasingly difficult because of attacks on humanitarian workers resulting in death and injury, as well as numerous kidnappings, according to the European Commission.

Eritrea has been awarded €3 million to address the immediate acute needs of the most vulnerable people in Eritrea. The country has been affected by years of chronic drought, desertification, poor infrastructure and continued insecurity on the border with Ethiopia.

“This decision will help bring relief to 500,000 people, with a emphasis on health, nutrition, water and sanitation, protection and livelihood support,” the EC said in a statement.

Ethiopia on the other hand will receive €6 million which is expected to cover health, food, water and sanitation, targeting the most vulnerable people in the country.

The European Commission said the €22 million has been earmarked for food aid and €10 million to help fight drought in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Uganda.

“Significant population growth has put severe pressure on the scarce natural resources of the Horn of Africa,” the EC also noted in the statement.

The Commission also said the funding will help to strengthen the resilience of pastoralist communities living in drought-prone areas by providing water, livelihood support, health services and support for animal health.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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