COMMISSION DECISION XXX on the financing of humanitarian actions in Cameroon from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF)
(ECHO/CMR/EDF/2011/01000)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000, and in particular Article 72 thereof,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 617/2007 of 14 May 2007 on the implementation of the 10th European Development Fund under the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement1, and in particular Articles 5.4 and 8 thereof;
Whereas: (1) Since the 6 May 2010, the extreme north of Cameroon and neighbouring countries (Nigeria, Niger and Chad) have experienced a large-scale outbreak of cholera. This epidemic could not be appropriately contained and has spread across the nation affecting 9 of the 10 regions.
(2) Since January 2011, the epidemic has spread considerably, affecting areas of higher population density than in the preceding months. It reached a critical stage mid- February (week 7) and by beginning of April 2011, the total number of cases reported nationwide is 3,204 s with 136 deaths for a case fatality rate (CFR) of 4.2%.
(3) Cholera epidemics pose great risks to the health, lives and livelihoods of people in Cameroon;
(4) Poverty, lack of basic sanitation facilities, low hygienic standards, malnutrition, and increased incidence of climate-induced natural disasters in post-emergency or structurally weak countries increase the vulnerability to communicable diseases and enhance the transmission of infections;
(5) To contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates related to cholera outbreaks, early and effective actions are required. Both preparedness and response are needed in order to respond effectively to epidemics;
(6) Readiness and timely response to epidemics can be guaranteed through stockpiling of drugs, medical and water and sanitation supplies
(7) To reach populations in need, aid should be channelled through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or international organisations including United Nations (UN) agencies. Therefore the European Commission should implement the budget by direct centralised management or by joint management;
(8) An assessment of the humanitarian situation leads to the conclusion that humanitarian aid actions should be financed by the European Union for a period of 10 months;
(9) The use of the 10th European Development Fund is necessary as all the funds for ACP countries in the general budget are entirely allocated.
(10) It is estimated that an amount of EUR 900,000 from Cameroon's Allocation for Unforeseen Needs (B-envelope) of the 10th European Development Fund is necessary to provide humanitarian assistance to populations directly affected by the cholera epidemics. The activities covered by this Decision may be financed in full in accordance with Article 103.3 of the Financial Regulation applicable to the 10th EDF2, together with Article 253 of the Implementing Rules of the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union3.
(11) The Commission will inform the EDF Committee within one month of the adoption of the Decision and this in conformity with Article 8 of the Council Regulation (EC) No 617/2007.