MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government is
providing an additional $7.5 million of food aid to help the people of Southern
Africa as part of the United Nations World Food Programme's (WFP) regional
appeal for Southern Africa.
The WFP appeal aims to reach all of the estimated 6.5 million
people in Southern Africa, including 5.5 million in Zimbabwe, who are in
critical need of food aid in order to survive.
It will deliver lifesaving assistance to the people of
Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Australia's commitment follows the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding between the WFP and the Government of Zimbabwe that stipulates
that the distribution of aid will be based solely on need.
Australia, the WFP and other donors will monitor the
distribution of food closely to ensure that it is free from political
interference and in line with the WFP agreement with the Government of
Zimbabwe.
Australia will also provide $625,000 to Plan Australia to
complement WFP's program in specific districts of Zimbabwe with an
emergency supplementary feeding program.
This will be provided at health clinics for 16,000
malnourished children under 5 and 2000 expecting/lactating mothers in Zimbabwe
and at schools for 26,000 children.
This brings Australia's commitment to reduce the impact of
food crises in Africa since March 2002 to $43.5 million, including $31 million
through the WFP. In 2002-03 Australia provided $98 million in food aid to
people in crisis.
Today's announcement comes ahead of the launch tomorrow of
the United Nations World Food Programme's 'Tackle Hunger'
campaign in conjunction with the Rugby World Cup 2003. This awareness
raising campaign is part of the Programme's continuing efforts to alleviate
hunger throughout the world.
Australia is pleased to be a supporter of WFP and its
'Tackle Hunger' campaign. We have a productive and
long-standing relationship with the WFP in providing emergency and humanitarian
aid.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Bronwyn Coles (AusAID) 02 6206 4733 or 0418 216 844