MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will provide emergency food aid for
the Horn of Africa, where an estimated 12.4 million people are at risk of starvation
due to a severe drought.
The food aid will be distributed through the World Food Program which has a
long record of effective aid delivery in the region. The World Food Program's
relief efforts are expected to focus on Ethiopia, the worst affected country.
Recent reports indicate that an estimated 8 million people are facing starvation
in Ethiopia.
With poor rainfall forecast for the region during the current season, the number
of people in need of assistance is anticipated to increase.
Australia has reacted quickly in an effort to avoid a tragic repetition of
the devastating famine of 1984-85. We will contribute $1.5 million through
our overseas aid program, managed by AusAID.
Media contacts:
Innes Willox (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489