UN humanitarian envoy begins weeklong visit to southern Africa in Malawi

The United Nations Special Envoy for Humanitarian Needs in Southern Africa is in Malawi today for the first leg of a weeklong mission to review achievements in the region over the last three years and take stock of its future aid requirements.

The fourth trip by James T. Morris, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), to countries affected by the “triple threat” of food insecurity, weakened capacity for governance and AIDS also comes at a time when the $615 million UN Consolidated Appeal for southern Africa remains seriously under-funded, with only $327 million in confirmed donations so far.

Funds for non-food items, such as medicines, healthcare, education, water and sanitation supplies, are desperately needed, with only 16 per cent of resources needed for these items having been raised.

In addition to his stop in Malawi, Mr. Morris will meet with government officials, donor representatives and aid agencies in Mozambique, Swaziland and Namibia. He is not scheduled to visit Zimbabwe because officials from that country’s Government were unavailable for meetings.