ERCS launches a 213.6mln birr worth project To Benefit Conflict-Affected People

Addis Ababa, June 25, 2023 (FBC) – With 213.6 million birr support received from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, Ethiopian Red Cross Society, with its Partner Sister National Societies has announced a project to address the basic needs of people affected by conflict in Amhara, Tigray and Benshangul-Gumuz regions.

Abera Lulesa, Deputy Secretary General of Ethiopian Red Cross Society, stated at the launching of the project that Ethiopian Red Cross Society is leading the charge in easing the suffering of people who have been affected by natural and man-made calamities.

He said that the Society is determined to use all its capabilities to make this project successful and meet the basic needs of the affected community members.

He expressed his gratitude for the support made by all partners and the effort to be exerted for the success of the project implementation.

It is stated that the project will be implemented through two categories, one of which will benefit a total of 221,575 victims in four districts of Amhara region, three districts of Benishangul Gumuz region and two towns and one district of Tigray region.

According to reports on the launching the project will be implemented for the next 18 months with a budget of 138,021,052 birr focusing on public health care, water, sanitation and hygiene programs as well as protection.

In addition, the provision of 5 new ambulances, distribution of clean water and latrine services for more than 196,000 individuals and offering of preliminary health counseling services to more than 22,500 individuals are among the planned activities to be performed.

It is disclosed that under the coordination of the Netherlands Red Cross and technical support of German, Austrian and Danish Red Cross Societies, Ethiopian Red Cross Society will implement the project.

In the second category of the project, there is a provision of direct cash support to the affected community members.

About 3,000 households or 15,000 people will receive direct cash support in three rounds and ETB 75,591,416 has been allocated for this purpose.

Danish Red Cross will take a role of coordination whereas Ethiopian Red Cross Society is the implementer. Likewise, providing technical assistance is a role to be discharged by Dan Church Aid, Norwegian Refugee Council, Action Against Hunger, People in Need, and Save the Children International.

Officials and experts of theEthiopian Red Cross Society, representatives of various sister national societies, representatives of various governmental institutions, as well as officials and experts of the three regional Red Cross branch offices where the project will be implemented participated in the three-day project launching workshop.