Japan helps WFP provide support as people brace for lean season in Eswatini
MBABANE– The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has today received a JPY200 million, contribution - equivalent to US$1.5 million to provide to life-saving food assistance to some 30,000 orphaned and vulnerable children under the age of 6 across the country.
Japan’s contribution comes at a critical time, with more than 260,000 people facing crisis and emergency food insecurity levels at the peak of the lean season from October to March next year, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis.
“We are very grateful to the Government of Japan,” says Deepak Shah, WFP’s Head of Office in Eswatini. “The impact of this assistance is not only felt by the children in this country, but also sends a strong message to the global community that by working together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their circumstances.”
Under the initiative, children will receive either rice, maize meal, fish, beans, vegetable oil and a variety of vegetables sourced locally from various community-based child-care centres known as Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs). As part of the programme, some 1,700 caregivers will be trained on the latest agriculture practises.
WFP's activities are key in building a more resilient population while helping the Government of Eswatini enhance food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable population. By focusing on those affected by shocks such as drought, poverty, and HIV/AIDS, WFP contributes towards improving people’s well-being.
Japan is a long-standing partner of WFP, regularly providing significant funding and technical support. Japan’s latest contribution brings the total contributions towards WFP’s activities in Eswatini to US$11,7 million since 2020.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
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