EU allocates 54 mln euros in humanitarian aid to 5 African nations

"In this region ravaged by extreme weather conditions, chronic conflict and deep poverty, millions of people are now on the brink of collapse. Our help is crucial in saving lives and tackling misery. The complementary decisions we have just adopted reflect our global approach in this region, which is designed to address these difficult humanitarian challenges consistently and effectively," said European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel. Among the funds, 13 million euros will go to Somalia, which for more than two decades, has been confronted with a devastating combination of conflict, drought, floods and disease. The delivery of humanitarian aid has also become increasingly difficult because of attacks on humanitarian workers resulting in death and injury, as well as numerous kidnappings, according to the European Commission. The fund will be used to assist victims of continuing insecurity and climatic hazards with a focus on health and nutrition, the provision of water and sanitation, food and food security for internally displaced people (IDPs) and the chronically vulnerable communities. Three million euros has been allocated to address the immediate acute needs of the most vulnerable people in Eritrea, which has been affected by years of chronic drought, desertification, poor infrastructure and continued insecurity on the border with Ethiopia; Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version