In a move to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, the United States, through USAID, has pledged more than $80 million in additional aid. The announcement came during a visit by Sonali Korde, Assistant to the Administrator for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
Ethiopia is facing a multifaceted crisis, with conflict, climate shocks, and insecurity affecting over 21 million people, according to the UN.
The funding will bolster USAID’s humanitarian partners, aiding the most vulnerable communities. Assistance will be channelled through UN agencies and non-governmental organisations to support agricultural and nutritional initiatives, along with services aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence.
Specifically targeting acute malnutrition, the aid will benefit over 1.5 million children under five years old and more than 600,000 pregnant and nursing mothers. Combined with ongoing support from Fiscal Year 2023, USAID’s efforts are projected to reach at least 4.5 million individuals across eight regions of Ethiopia.
Despite existing aid efforts, the scale of humanitarian needs in Ethiopia remains daunting. As the leading bilateral donor in humanitarian assistance to the country, the United States urges others to join in delivering crucial aid to save lives.
