Appeal focuses on health, food security

Focusing mainly on people affected by a political-military crisis in the Central African Republic since October 2002, the UN and partner NGOs are seeking US $7.8 million to make health and food provisions for the country in the coming year.

"Persistent insecurity is one of the main barriers to the resumption of normal life, and economic and social development," the UN said reported on Tuesday when it launched the annual global Consolidated Appeals Process in New York.

The country, especially the north, experienced months of instability from October 2002 to March 2003 when former army chief of staff Francois Bozize launched a rebellion against President Ange-Felix Pattasse. Fighting ended on 15 March when Bozize ousted Patasse, but insecurity persisted across the country.

Of the $16.8 million required in 2004 for all sectors of humanitarian aid, $3.9 million would be used to improve food security, $3.8 million would go to health and $2.3 million for agriculture.

The CAP also focused on improving income and ensuring equal and sustainable access to basic social services such as health, education, water and sanitation. It proposed a range of activities in post-conflict recovery, targeting human protection and community rehabilitation.

"Actions in these areas will provide an emergency response to support the most vulnerable groups," the UN reported. "The fundamental objective is to reduce the extreme precariousness of living conditions."

[The full text of the CAP Appeal for CAR is available online at: www.un.org]