(Ecofin Agency) - The United States has allocated an extra $154 million for humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia, bringing their total contribution to nearly $243 million since the start of 2024. This information comes from a statement by the U.S. Department, released on April 16.

The aid aims to address urgent needs arising from conflict, insecurity, and climate shocks by providing essential services to refugees, including protection, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and mental health support.

The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia is concerning, worsened by the effects of war, climate change, and massive population displacement, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In its latest situation report from March, the organization estimates that 21.4 million people in the country will require assistance this year.

To tackle this crisis, OCHA estimates that $3.2 billion will be needed in financing this year to assist over 15 million Ethiopians.