Friday, April 27, 2007

Australia to provide $4m aid to North Korea

Australia will provide almost $4 million in humanitarian aid to a hungry and malnourished North Korea.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Australia's $4 million commitment will focus on improving the health, hygiene and nutrition of North Koreans. "Thirty-seven per cent of North Koreans suffer from chronic malnutrition, and two-thirds of North Korean children do not receive enough food because of a one million tonne food shortfall," Mr Downer said in a statement. "Many North Koreans also lack access to clean water and sanitation."

Mr Downer said Australia's assistance will be provided through a number of United Nations agencies and the International Red Cross.

About $1.5 million will go towards UNICEF's water and sanitation program.

A further $1.5 million will provide food for 1.9 million people through the World Food Program.
The rest of the money will be spent on emergency health and essential medicines, disaster management, water supply and sanitation.

[The West Australian]

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