MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce Australia will provide emergency assistance to help
up to eight million people affected by severe drought and on-going conflict in
East Africa and the Horn.
Serious drought conditions are being experienced throughout a number of
countries in East Africa. In Kenya more than four million people still need food
aid as severe drought conditions continue across large parts of the country
following a poor and erratic wet season. In Tanzania, an estimated 1.3 million
drought-affected people will need humanitarian assistance in 2001.
In Zambia, there is an urgent need to provide emergency aid to 40,000 people
seeking shelter and refuge from the ongoing conflict in Democratic Republic of
Congo. In Sudan, as many as three million people are facing potential starvation
due to drought and the continuing civil war.
The Australian Government's Aid Agency will allocate a total of $2 million to
the World Food Programme, to assist in meeting the severe shortage of basic food
requirements in these countries. The $2 million in food aid will be shared
equally by the four countries.
This contribution is in addition to the existing allocation the Australian
Government has made of over $1,982,600 in drought relief assistance through
non-government organisations in Kenya. This assistance will enable Oxfam
Community Aid Abroad and CARE to help over two hundred thousand families in
drought-stricken areas receive clean water and health care.
The Australian Government has contributed $7 million in humanitarian and
emergency assistance to African nations during the current financial year.
Media contacts:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804
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