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- The UN has made R2.4 billion available to strengthen the humanitarian response in neglected crisis areas.
- The majority of the countries to benefit are drawn from Central Africa and across northern Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Amid shortages in northern Ethiopia,, aid givers are choosing who goes hungry and who to feed.
Countries from Central Africa and across northern Sub-Saharan Africa form the majority set to benefit from the humanitarian crisis bailout by the United Nations (UN) Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
A total of 13 countries drawn from central, across northern Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean will get a share of the R2.4 billion ($150 million).
The breakdown is as follows: Syria R400 million ($25 million), Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan R320 million ($20 million) and Myanmar R192 million ($12million). Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad will get R160 million ($10 million), while Haiti and Lebanon R128 million ($8 million). Madagascar will get R84 million ($7 million), while Kenya and Angola should collect R96 million, and lastly Honduras will receive R80 million ($5 million).
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The UN says the bailout "represents a lifeline for the millions of people caught up in underfunded crises".
UN's Relief Chief Martin Griffiths, in a tweet, called it the largest relief fund in the history of the aid agency.
"This largest-ever allocation is a lifeline for millions of people caught up in crises, where suffering is alarmingly high and resources critically low," he said.
Last year's 2022 forecast budget by the United Nations was that, with the help of partners, global humanitarian aid should reach 183 million of the most vulnerable people, at a cost of at least $41 billion.
For the additional R2.4 billion, CERF, in a statement, said allocation to countries was informed by more than 90 indicators of levels of humanitarian needs.
"Allocation decisions for underfunded emergencies are based on detailed analysis of more than 90 humanitarian indicators and wide consultation with stakeholders," the statement reads.
Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, which is not on the list, the World Food Programme's (WFP) life-saving food assistance operations in Tigray are about to grind to a halt because intense fighting has blocked the passage of fuel and food.
Michael Dunford, WFP's Regional Director for Eastern Africa, this week said: "We are now having to choose who goes hungry to prevent another from starving."
The escalating conflict has blocked aid givers from reaching the affected areas since December last year.
The News24 Africa Desk is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The stories produced through the Africa Desk and the opinions and statements that may be contained herein do not reflect those of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
