European Union announces $ 74 million in humanitarian aid to 12 southern African countries

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12 southern African countries will receive humanitarian aid of $ 74 million from the European Union (EU). 

The funding will help targeted populations cope with the combined effects of the coronavirus and the extreme weather disasters that have rocked the region in recent years. Southern African countries will benefit from funding of $ 74 million from the European Union (EU). 

This is what the institution said in a statement released Monday, July 20, 2020. The new funding is aimed at helping targeted populations cope with the combined effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the extreme weather disasters that have rocked the region in recent years. 

Concretely, it will provide food aid to vulnerable households and support farmers in affected areas to restore their livelihoods. The new funds will also finance coronavirus prevention and preparedness actions aimed at supporting local health systems and facilitating access to health care, protective equipment, sanitation systems and hygiene services. 

Finally, special support will be given to the education of children and the training of teaching staff. “The EU is helping to provide vital aid to poor households who have suffered crop and livestock losses due to drought. The aid mechanism will also help strengthen the preparedness and response of countries in the region to the coronavirus pandemic. 

At the same time, the EU is helping communities to better prepare for natural hazards and reduce their impact, ”the statement said. A total of 12 countries in the region will benefit from the funding. 

Mozambique and Zimbabwe will receive the largest envelopes at $ 17 million and $ 16 million respectively.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor