United Kingdom funds nutrition and resilience-building in Mozambique

Thanks to this timely contribution, a total of 120,000 people residing in the most drought affected districts in Tete province are benefiting from cash-based transfers. This includes transfers using vouchers and also introducing mobile transfers, done in close collaboration with local communities, the authorities and sectoral partners, including National Disaster Management Institute (INGC) and National Social Action Institute (INAS). The benefits of this kind of transfer modality includes the engagement of local retailers, and promoting their outreach to more distant communities, representing a boost to the local market.

The partnership with the United Kingdom also supports the provison of life-saving services for at least 11,000 children under-five and 5,000 pregnant and lactating women that suffer from moderate acute malnutrition, in several districts of Cabo Delgado, Manica, Tete and Zambezia provinces. The partnership is chanelled through the national programme for the rehabilitation of acute malnutrition managed by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local authorities and partners.

“The World Food Programme is very grateful for the contribution of the United Kingdom, which allowed us to set up a timely response, now in full swing at the peak of the lean season”, said Karin Manente, WFP Country Director in Mozambique. “Acute food insecurity can disrupt the lives and livelihoods of local communities, while malnutrition can prevent the full growth of children as well as affecting the health of women during pregnancy, at breastfeeding and for lifetime.”

“UKAid support for nutrition and food security is an investiment in Mozambiques future. 43% of children in Mozambique are stunted, meaning they will never fulfil their potential. Stronger leadership and coordinated support is essential to act fast and respond to needs,” said Cate Turton, Head of DFID in Mozambique.

The lean season normally starts in November and ends with the harvest, in April to June. A total of 815,000 people are confirmed to be in need of emergency food assistance during the lean season, which may lead to increases in acute malnutrition if not adequately addressed.

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The United Nations World Food Programme - saving lives in emergencies and changing lives for millions through sustainable development.  WFP works in more than 80 countries around the world, feeding people caught in conflict and disasters, and laying the foundations for a better future.

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