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<p>We are deeply concerned about food insecurity and the worsening humanitarian situation
in Eritrea. COVID-19 and the desert locust outbreak are compounding high humanitarian
need already caused by residual effects of war and climate change induced disasters.
Limited health infrastructure, limited diagnostic capacity, low levels of sanitation
coverage and high pre-existing levels of malnutrition and morbidity raise the Eritrean
population’s vulnerability. The locust outbreak is destroying crops, livelihoods and
essential food supplies. The impact of COVID-19 on domestic market supply chains and
household food and income sources could also be significant.</p><p>Existing humanitarian
and development programmes in Eritrea are being adapted to address current food security
challenges. The UK has funded life-saving activity in Eritrea for several years, including
providing £4 million to UNICEF in 2019-20 to help treat malnutrition in under-fives
and provide access to safe hygiene and sanitation services. The UK has provided £7
million to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Regional Emergency Appeal
for the locust outbreak, which includes Eritrea. With UK’s support, the FAO is spraying
pesticides on the ground and by air to prevent further damage to crops and livelihoods.</p>
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