Oxfam Australia today welcomed Foreign Minister Bob Carr’s announcement of $16 million of funding to assist the response to the escalating humanitarian crises in West Africa and South Sudan.
Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett said the two crises are creating enormous need across Africa.
“It is excellent that Australia is increasing its contribution to the international efforts to these escalating humanitarian crises,” Mr Hewett said
“In the Sahel region of West Africa, a staggering 18.4 million people are at risk of hunger.
“Oxfam aims to reach around 1.2 million people across six countries in West Africa with life-saving humanitarian aid.
“From the funding announced today, Oxfam will be supporting people in Niger – one of the hardest hit countries in this food crises – to access lifesaving food and rebuild their lives,” Mr Hewett said
Oxfam Australia will be receiving $1 million of the funding which will be used to help 2200 households Niger access food through local markets, and support families to recover their livelihoods.
Oxfam is also responding to the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan where it is providing water and sanitation to people displaced by the current border disputes.
Oxfam has been working in South Sudan for over thirty years and is implementing livelihoods activities which are currently being supported by the Australian government.
Andrew Hewett is available for interview. For more information please contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Sunita Bose on 0407 555 960.
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