UK provides $4.5 million to UNICEF and WFP for humanitarian response to Malawi floods

Following heavy rains and catastrophic floods in the south of Malawi, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) has provided US $4.5 million (£3.4 million) to fund the UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP) and Red Cross humanitarian response for people displaced by the disaster. This includes funds for food, health, shelter, logistics, water, and sanitation.

“The floods and devastation linked to the recent Cyclone Idai weather system have had a shocking impact on the region, including on southern Malawi,” DFID Malawi Head of Office David Beer said. “The UK is absolutely committed to supporting Malawians who have been affected. The £3.4 million of funding for immediate food, shelter, health and water and sanitation needs will help Malawians deal with the immediate impact.

More than 860,000 people have been impacted in 15 affected districts since 9 March, according to figures from the Department of Disaster Management and Preparedness (DoDMA).

“UNICEF’s priority is to help children and families who have lost their homes and are living in evacuation centres or with other families in their communities,” UNICEF Malawi Representative Johannes Wedenig said. “We are already distributing life-saving health, nutrition, water and sanitation supplies to camps and communities across the affected districts. The new UK aid funding will allow us to scale up our response and help even more people.”

“WFP is grateful to UK aid for its generous support,” said WFP Malawi Country Director Benoit Thiry. “We are working around the clock provide food assistance to people facing incredible hardship. This timely contribution will assist WFP in stepping up assistance to areas worst affected by the floods.”

UNICEF and WFP are working closely with the Humanitarian Country Team, DoDMA and local authorities to coordinate urgent assistance. The UK aid intervention will be closely coordinated with other sectors, including agriculture, education, nutrition, early recovery and protection, to ensure a joined-up relief and recovery effort.

Original source: WFP
Published on 27 March 2019