UNICEF facing a shortfall of $13.4 million

UNICEF is facing a shortfall of US $13.4 million for its DRC 2001 appeal as of March, the agency said in its April humanitarian action update. The agency has only received $1.5 million which is 10 percent of its target of $15 million appeals requirements. It said that with increasing numbers of displaced, and a continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the past two years, the most basic needs of the affected population remain unmet. “While previous interventions have had a significant impact, funding shortfalls in the following critical areas, directly affecting child survival, would be felt,” UNICEF said. It added that while significant assistance had been provided to the displaced families, only a small percentage had been effectively assisted. “UNICEF seeks donor support to ensure assistance to additional vulnerable families,” it said. It also needs 800 essential drug kits in order to support 60 health centres in Lisala, 220 in Sankuru, 10 in Kabinda and 100 in Province Orientale. “Without such support, the UNICEF assistance to these 10 health zones, currently receiving medical equipment and drugs, would also have to stop,” it said. It also needs assistance to preposition its cholera supplies, for emergency education for the internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) children and also for the protection of conflict-affected children.