MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Patterson
Senator Kay Patterson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, today announced that Australia will support the relief efforts of the
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the World
Food Programme in providing emergency drought assistance to India.
A severe drought in a number of Indian states has affected the lives of 80
million people.
Successive failed monsoons have resulted in an impending famine and increased
mortality rates. Livestock are dying and food and fodder prices are increasing.
These factors have led to increased malnutrition.
Australia is providing $2 million in emergency relief, with $1 million to be
channelled through UNICEF and $1 million for food aid through the World Food
Programme.
Australia's contribution to UNICEF will focus on the western states of Rajasthan
and Gujarat. Australia will assist with ensuring people have access to clean
water and sanitation by providing pumping equipment and tractor mounted compressors.
In addition, Australia will help prevent children dying of malnutrition and
dehydration by providing vitamin A solutions, oral rehydration salts and chlorine
tablets.
Australia will provide emergency food aid in the eastern state of Orissa through
the World Food Programme. Orissa has been hit hard by the drought after a series
of climatic disasters. Last October, the people of Orissa suffered from a cyclone
and resulting tidal wave which caused 10,000 deaths and inflicted severe crop
losses.
Through the Australian Government's overseas aid program, Australia not only
provides emergency aid to India, but also delivers long term development assistance,
Senator Patterson said. The objective of our overseas aid program in India
is to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.
Media contacts:
Louise Ahern (Senator Patterson's office) 02 6277 3800/ 0409 034 403
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489