EU humanitarian aid to Uganda and Somalia

The European Commission has approved two humanitarian aid packages, each worth €2 million, to support vulnerable populations in northern Uganda and Somalia. The objective is to help meet the needs of people affected by civil strife. In both countries, the suffering due to conflict has been compounded by adverse weather conditions. The aid is channelled through the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), which comes under the responsibility of Commissioner Poul Nielson.

Chronic insecurity in northern Uganda has uprooted more than a million people, with many driven to take refuge in overcrowded camps and increasingly unable to cultivate their own land. Poor rains in recent years have added to the suffering. The emphasis of the new aid decision is on supporting internally displaced people (IDPs): concrete assistance will be provided to improve healthcare, nutrition, water/sanitation systems and food security (seeds and tools). Basic non-food items such as blankets and shelter will also be supplied.

In Somalia, a combination of conflict, droughts and floods over many years has seriously weakened the coping capacity of local communities. Health is the main focus of this latest funding decision, which includes programmes to improve access to primary health care and support for paediatric services.

Since 2000, ECHO has channelled almost €7 million in humanitarian aid to Uganda and more than €14 million to Somalia.

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• EU Presidency declaration on the peace process in Somalia (15/7/2003)