UK Supports Food Needs of Vulnerable Afghans
KABUL – The World Food Programme (WFP) today announced a contribution of 10 million British Pounds (more than 15 million US dollars) from the UK’s development agency DFID to its programmes in Afghanistan. The donation will enable WFP reach up to 535,000 people with 17,000 metric tons of food, including wheat and wheat flour, pulses such as split peas and salt. This food will be distributed in emergencies to victims of conflict and natural disasters, as well as helping WFP implement projects to prevent and treat acute malnutrition.
DFID Afghanistan Head of Office, Mark Mallalieu, said: “Britain has worked in partnership with WFP for many years in Afghanistan. A partnership which has long provided a lifeline to the most vulnerable and acutely malnourished people, in communities where food security is uncertain.
“Ending hunger and undernutrition will go hand in hand with the work DFID, and the international community, is doing to support a self-sufficient future of Afghanistan. The international community will continue to work together to provide the long-term approach the region needs to avoid falling back into crisis.”
“The humanitarian needs in Afghanistan remain enormous,” explained WFP Deputy Country Director John Prout. “One-third of the population is food-insecure, and about two out of three children under the age of five are stunted due to malnutrition. Conflict and natural disasters exacerbate the situation for people living on the threshold of acute malnutrition. This donation is helping WFP to respond to urgent needs where it matters most.”
The donation comes in the context of the UK’s renewed commitment to addressing global hunger, a topic which will be under discussion at today’s G8 summit in the UK.
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WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Last year, WFP reached more than 97 million people in 80 countries with food assistance.
WFP has been working in Afghanistan since 1963 with the aim of helping Afghans build a hunger-free future for themselves and their country. WFP food is distributed on the basis of need, without regard for ethnicity, religion or political affiliation. This year, WFP aims to reach some 2.4 million Afghans with food assistance.
WFP Afghanistan operates a feedback hotline number and welcomes comments, complaints and feedback regarding the distribution of WFP food assistance. Please call: 0790-555-544.
Contact information:
Silke Buhr, WFP/Kabul, +93(0)706-004-882, silke.buhr@wfp.org
Wahidullah Amani, WFP/Kabul, +93(0)706-004-884, wahidullah.amani@wfp.org
About DFID
The UK Department for International Development works closely with the international community and other partners to support the development of Afghan security, governance, infrastructure, economy and the provision of essential services.
Emily Poyser, DFID Afghanistan, +93 (0)798668491