Serious funding shortages are threatening to undermine efforts by the United Nations to save the lives of millions of people in Southern Africa as well as destroy the fragile gains made over the past 12 months, says James T Morris, the UN secretary general’s special envoy for humanitarian needs in Southern Africa.
“A humanitarian tragedy was averted in Southern Africa last year but the crisis is far from over,” Morris said in a statement.
“Millions of people across the region are still dependent on aid for their survival, while others require international assistance to help them recover. But so far, the donors’ response has been alarmingly slow,” he added.
Despite last year’s successful emergency operation and an improved agricultural season, millions of people remain extremely vulnerable, due to a combination of chronic poverty, severe food shortages and, in particular, catastrophic rates of HIV/Aids.
In July, the UN system appealed for $530-million, $310-million for food relief and $220-million for non-food activities, to address the humanitarian needs of 6,5-million vulnerable people in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
However, donors have so far contributed just 20% of the required funds, leaving a shortfall of $423-million.
The appeal for non-food items has raised only $9,5-million or 4,3% of overall needs.
“Without additional donations, many crucial projects will have to be scaled back or shut down; others will not be implemented at all,” said Morris.
“Not only will people’s lives be put at risk but so will all the gains we’ve made over the past year. Donors must provide more support, otherwise the orphan they helped to save last year could well end up dying this year,” he added.
Along with the provision of food aid, the 12-month UN Consolidated Appeal also seeks to fund water and sanitation, agriculture, education and health projects.
However, UN agencies will be unable to continue or launch many of these critical programmes because of the funding crisis. — I-Net Bridge