Humanitarian Aid Center established in Mekelle City to speed up delivery toward districts

Addis Ababa, April 29, 2021 (FBC) – Commissioner for the National Disaster Risk Management Commission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mitiku Kassa today stated that humanitarian aid center has been established in Mekelle City to speed up delivery toward districts.

Addressing a webinar organized by Chatham House Africa Programme in partnership with UK Center for International Policy Studies, Commissioner Mitiku said the government has managed to access 4.5 Million people in need in Tigray with food and non-food assistance following the law enforcement operation.

The commissioner also announced the commencement of the second round humanitarian assistance with a view to reach 2.7 Million people in need in the region.

According to the Commissioner, the federal government which covered 70pct of the need has disbursed 3.7 Billion Birr for the humanitarian assistance carried out in Tigray.

He briefed the participants of the webinar that the government in partnership with partners has set up a humanitarian aid center in Mekelle City to speed up distribution of assistance to districts and other distant parts of the region.

Mitiku also indicated that the federal government in collaboration with Tigray Health Bureau has been delivering health care services using mobile clinics established in districts and distributing medical supplies donated by the Ministry of Health to the areas.

General Director of Médecins Sans Frontières, Oliver Behn, during the discussion appreciated Ethiopia’s commitment in allowing unfettered access to international humanitarian organizations, and said that he called for global support the rehabilitation and humanitarian efforts in the region.

More than 500 percipients drawn from international humanitarian organizations, media and analysts have participated in the webinar.