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<p>We are deeply concerned about the locust outbreak in Africa and South Asia, which
is compounding existing humanitarian need caused by the residual effects of humanitarian
disasters, conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is affecting the regions’ ability
to respond to these crises by destroying livelihoods and essential food supplies,
putting millions of people at risk of further insecurity during the pandemic.</p><p>The
UK is supporting the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Regional Emergency
Appeal for the locust outbreak and has contributed £5 million for the spraying of
pesticides on the ground and by air. Additionally, DFID Sudan has provided £2 million
bi-laterally and DFID Pakistan £1 million to FAO’s response in-country.</p><p>We are
also playing a leading role in the global response to COVID-19, working with international
partners to slow its spread and pledging £764 million of UK aid globally to end the
pandemic. Additionally, the UK is providing up to £150 million to the International
Monetary Fund’s Catastrophe Containment Relief Trust to help developing countries,
including many in Africa and South Asia, meet their debt repayments so they can focus
available resources on tackling COVID-19. The UK has worked closely with G20 creditors
and the Paris Club on a temporary suspension of debt repayments from countries that
request relief, further boosting response capacities.</p><p>Finally, the UK is urgently
redirecting existing programmes in Africa and South Asia to respond to the locust
outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our support is having an immediate impact. We
are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to help further.</p>
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