MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government will provide $3 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Somalia to help alleviate food shortages and improve health.
Through our international aid agency, AusAID, Australia will give $2 million to UNICEF to meet the immediate health and nutrition needs of displaced people in the DRC, where 1.6 million have fled their homes due to internal conflict. Many are exposed to regular outbreaks of deadly epidemics such as cholera.
Malnutrition also is a major problem for those now living in camps, particularly women and children, who have limited access to basic health care, safe water and sanitation.
In Somalia, AusAID will provide $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Civil war and a prolonged drought have forced between 500,000 and 1 million people to leave their homes in search of food.
Australia's funding will be channelled into the Drought-Driven Livelihood and Food Security Crisis Programme of the Red Cross which provides emergency food and water supplies to those most in need.
A poor rainy season and continuing internal conflict have seen a sharp rise in food insecurity and malnutrition in Somalia.
Australia will continue to monitor closely humanitarian conditions throughout Africa and respond to priority needs in coordination with other donors.
Media contacts:
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500