UN Releases $35Mln For 2.2Mln Afghans Hit By Drought - Spokesman

The United Nations has earmarked $35 million for food, livestock fodder and seeds in drought stricken regions in the Afghanistan's northern and western regions, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th October, 2018) The United Nations has earmarked $35 million for food, livestock fodder and seeds in drought stricken regions in the Afghanistan's northern and western regions, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Tuesday.

"The UN Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund [AHF] and the Central Emergency Response Fund [CERF] have allocated nearly $35 million to support 2.2 million people impacted by severe drought in the country," Dujarric said.

The funds will allow seven national and 15 international aid groups, plus four UN agencies to distribute food and seeds, maintain Primary health services, provide emergency shelter, safe drinking water, improve hygiene and sanitation, treat severe malnutrition and help farmers protect their livestock, the United Nations explained in a press release issued earlier on Tuesday.

The impact of the ongoing drought spans the north and west of Afghanistan, leaving communities in deep distress as elderly residents say this is the worst drought in their lifetime, the release said.

Since the start of 2018, the AHF allocated $47.7 million in contributions to Afghanistan, with support provided by Australia, Denmark, Norway, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations Foundation.

The aid effort is supplemented from the CERF, which is operated by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator.