Japan boosts UNICEF’s relief efforts in Somalia with $3m grant

UNICEF’s efforts of providing lifesaving support to women and children in Somalia hit by the ongoing drought got a lift today with a $3 million grant from the Japanese government.

The UN children’s agency said Monday the funds will benefit 176,000 people over six months and allow it to sustain and upscale its emergency sanitation and hygiene work in settlements for thousands of displaced people and those affected by Acute Watery Diarrhoea/cholera.

UNICEF country representative Steven Lauwerier hailed the contribution as critical in bolstering relief efforts and stemming the tide of the drought.

“The humanitarian crisis in Somalia is far from over and children remain at serious risk,” Lauwerier. “The generous funding from the Japanese Government is crucial to ensure we can maintain our response to the ongoing drought by saving lives, treating the sick and malnourished and also preventing the spread of disease through providing clean water and sanitation.

The donation follows a similar one last week from the Chinese government will gave UNICEF $2 million and supplies.

UNICEF said at least 232,000 children are exposed to life threatening severe acute malnutrition over the next year but noted the funding would go a long way in conducting screening for early detection of malnutrition besides procuring lifesaving therapeutic food.

More than 75,000 people were affected by Acute Watery Diarhea/Cholera this year and UNICEF is watning of a possible resurgence during the rains.