IP/05/277
Brussels, 10 March 2005
The European Commission has approved €15 million in humanitarian aid for population groups at particular risk in Zimbabwe, including displaced people, people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and other vulnerable children. This will be achieved by supporting emergency food and agricultural interventions and providing integrated assistance, with a particular focus on water and sanitation. The funds are managed by the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel.
Louis Michel said: “The European Commission is committed to providing humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable Zimbabweans, regardless of the political situation there. European aid is provided strictly on the basis of genuine needs.”
Zimbabwe continues to experience a deep political and socio-economic crisis, with unprecedented numbers of people facing food insecurity and rising rates of HIV/AIDS infection. The majority of the population can barely cover their most basic needs. The health, water and sanitation sectors have collapsed, putting basic services beyond access for most people, particularly in rural areas. The country counts over one million orphans, mainly as a result of AIDS pandemic. Diseases that were once eradicated from the country such as cholera and dysentery are again being reported due to the absence of basic water, sanitation and health services.
Humanitarian assistance from the European Commission will be implemented through United Nations agencies, such as the UN children’s fund (UNICEF) and Food and Agricultural Organisation, international organisations like the International Organisation for Migration and international Non-Governmental Organisations.
For further information:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/echo/index_en.htm