Norway provides NOK 53 million to drought victims in Malawi
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Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
News story | Date: 18/10/2016
‘Malawi is on the brink of the most serious humanitarian crisis in its history. We have therefore reallocated around NOK 53 million to alleviate the acute need in the country,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
The crisis is due to poor harvests as a result of flooding and drought over the last two years. Around 6.5 million of the country’s 17 million people are affected by serious food shortages. It is expected that the number of people in need of assistance will increase in the time ahead.
‘We are particularly concerned about the children and the effect this will have on their education. Some of our support is therefore earmarked for strengthening the school meals scheme,’ said Mr Brende.
For many years, Norway has been one of Malawi’s most important development partners, with particular focus on health and education. The good results achieved through our long-term development cooperation could be undermined unless the country gets more help very soon. State Secretary Laila Bokhari visited Malawi last week to see several projects and meet representatives of the authorities, multilateral organisations and civil society.
Norway’s support will be channelled through the UN and various NGOs. Norway also makes a substantial contribution to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which has already provided funding for the efforts currently underway in Malawi.