NAIROBI, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) said on Monday that it has put together 16.1 billion shillings (151 million U.S. dollars) worth of financial support to bolster food security in the East African region amid disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EU said in a statement that the grant for food and nutrition security covers financial and logistical support to farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises to boost procurement of seeds and fodder for livestock.
"The purpose of the support is to strengthen value chains in the horticulture, dryland crops and dairy sectors," EU said.
According to the EU, part of the assistance is also earmarked to support the fight against locusts, humanitarian aid and epidemic control measures.
The EU will also provide support for treatment of acute malnutrition among young children, and to boost the overall health situation through the provision of basic services and epidemic control.
"The immediate needs of refugees and internally displaced people, such as protection, shelter, food, access to health and nutrition care, as well as clean water, are a core component of European assistance. Support also extends to longer-term joined-up support for both refugees and their host communities aimed at fostering socio-economic inclusion," said the EU. Enditem
