EU grants Iraq a further €37 million in aid

The European Commission has approved a new humanitarian aid package worth €37 million to help victims of the ongoing crisis in…

The European Commission has approved a new humanitarian aid package worth €37 million to help victims of the ongoing crisis in Iraq.

The aid is to support health, nutrition, water, sanitation and food programmes.

The funds will be channelled through the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) under the responsibility of Commissioner Mr Poul Nielson, and the programmes will be implemented by United Nations and NGO partners.

"This represents another important stage in the Commission's rolling programme of humanitarian support to victims of the crisis in Iraq," Mr Neilson said.

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"It is the fifth humanitarian aid decision we have taken since March 21st and underlines our ongoing commitment to deliver the assistance that is so urgently needed".

The three-week long war which began on March 20th resulted in substantial damage to infrastructure.

Key health and water/sanitation facilities are still not functioning at the level required to meet the population's needs.

UN surveys indicate an increase in malnutrition, a growth in the incidence of communicable diseases and a higher risk of serious epidemics.

The new funding decision complements the resumed "Oil for Food" programme.