Additional Norwegian funds to the drought-stricken population in Ethiopia and Eritrea

Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson has decided to earmark an additional NOK 25 million (approximately USD 3.4 million) to those affected by the drought in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia and Eritrea). This means that since the onset of the food crisis on the Horn of African and in southern Africa in 2002, Norway has contributed NOK 300 million (approximately USD 40.5 million) to efforts to alleviate the situation.

The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is extremely difficult. New estimates indicate that 13.2 million people will be in need of food aid and other outside assistance until June 2004. The situation in Eritrea is also critical, as some 2 million people will be in need of outside assistance.

The need for food grain has for the most part been covered until the end of 2003. However, the population is suffering from malnutrition, and there is a particularly urgent need for assistance in the form of medicines, nutritional aid, improved water and sanitation facilities. So far Norwegian funds have been used for measures in the water and sanitation sector and nutritional aid in the form of school meals. The details of how the new funds will be used will be clear after a forthcoming field trip to the area.

"At the same time as providing considerable humanitarian aid, we are also giving high priority to efforts to find long-term solutions and prevent food crises by increasing food production, improving distribution and strengthening primary health services," said Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson.

Press contact: Head of Information Espen Gullikstad, mobile phone: +47 91 70 81 22.