Ethiopian Government Delivers Humanitarian Aid to 7.3 Million Amid Climate Challenges

ADDIS ABABA: The Ethiopian government has successfully distributed humanitarian aid to approximately 7.3 million people across the nation in the last three months.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, National Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Shiferaw Telekemariam revealed that the government allocated nearly 8 billion Birr for humanitarian efforts. These efforts targeted individuals in drought-impacted regions and over half a million people affected by unprecedented floods in seven different regions of the country.

Ethiopia has been experiencing severe drought conditions, particularly in the Amhara, Tigray, Afar, and other regions, over the past three months, largely attributed to ongoing climate-induced effects.

Commissioner Shiferaw emphasized the government’s commitment to its citizens in times of crisis. “In total, we invested about 7.9 billion Birr to address those who are in need. What it means is that the government is always there to attend and, at the same time, to address the challenges of its citizens in whatever conditions and circumstances may arise,” he stated.

According to crisis management figures based on the season, the number of beneficiaries in Ethiopia stands at around 7.3 million. The government mobilized a total of 6.4 billion Birr in grain and other food items and an additional 1.5 billion Birr through collaborative efforts with the World Bank, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Finance. This funding supports the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) Woredas, reaching 3.6 million beneficiaries.

Priority in the distribution of aid has been given to internally displaced persons (IDPs), who number approximately 4.2 million and are located both in camps and within communities. Commissioner Shiferaw further noted that victims affected by climate-induced impacts are also prioritized in these humanitarian efforts.