Our Agency is ready to promote and assist the Ethiopian organizations’ efforts to change the current situation in the country,” Russell said during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen in Addis Ababa.

We are ready to extend the necessary aid in priority areas identified by the Government, she assured, and requested priority consideration in the assistance actions for women and children, the most vulnerable in situations of natural disasters or conflicts.

The official also stated that her current tour of East African countries is aimed at examining the effects of the drought in the region and drawing the attention of the international community to the need for urgent donations.

Mekonnen, who is also a Foreign Minister, discussed with the executive director some ways to expand UNICEF’s development programs and humanitarian work in Ethiopia.

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