EU provides 2.4 million Euros for food security, COVID-19 response in Eswatini

15.07.2020

On 15 July 2020, EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Esmeralda Hernandez Aragones, presented to the Kingdom of Eswatini the amount of EURO 2.4 million (SZL 46.6 million) to help the country in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cheque was received by the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, at an event help at the PM's office in Mbabane.

Presenting the amount, the EU Ambassador said the assistance will help support the government's food security strategy by reaching out to the most vulnerable citizens who have suffered and continue to suffer the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project will reach out to more than 230 000 vulnerable households in all four regions of the country who will received cash-based transfers and food parcels for the next eight to 10 months.

It will be implemented through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) who will partner locally with the World Food Programme (WFP), Red Cross Finland and Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society.

WFP will receive from ECHO the amount of 1.4 million Euros for an action focusing on food and nutrition insecurity in worst affected areas. On the other hand, Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society which will partner with Red Cross Finland, will receive EURO 1 million for an action focusing on food security and nutrition.

"This support reaffirms the EU's commitment to helping the Kingdom of Eswatini even in times of need such as this and we expect the project actions to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EmaSwati who are in desperate need of such intervention," said Ambassador Hernandez Aragones.

In response, the Prime Minister appreciated the EU's contribution and said the gesture will go a long way in mitigating the harsh effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister noted that the EU has been a long term partner of the Kingdom of Eswatini and said his government was looking forward to the post 2020 formal partnership between the EU and the ACP countries including Eswatini.