The United Nations, partners and the government of Burundi launched their humanitarian response plan that seeks US$194 million to aid 1.1 million Burundians this year, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement on Monday.

The plan is essential to overcome the country's challenges that include climate change and natural catastrophes, internal displacement and disease outbreaks such as cholera, measles and malaria, the statement read.

In 2021 and 2022, various shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, disease outbreaks, and the war in Ukraine, exacerbated existing humanitarian needs, affecting vulnerable populations such as refugees and internally displaced persons, the statement added.

UN Resident Coordinator John Agbor said that the humanitarian response for Burundi in 2023 is the result of a thorough analysis of the needs and challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations.

"Together, with the Government, humanitarian and development partners, we can work towards sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life of these populations and build a more resilient future. We are all united by a common cause: to save lives and leave no one behind," Agbor was quoted as saying by reliefweb.

Last year, more than 670,000 people received humanitarian assistance in Burundi, more than 70 percent of the initial target despite a significant funding gap at nearly 50 percent. (QNA)

Source: Qatar News Agency