US Donates $29 Million to UN World Food Program

In the wake of increasing humanitarian crises in seven African and Asian countries, the United States Agency for International Development contributed $29 million to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in November, according to a press release. The November donations from the U.S. brings the total contributed by various US agencies up to $84 million for the fiscal year.

"Consistent generosity from the US government enables WFP to reach the most vulnerable people who are struggling each day to feed their families." said Jordan Dey, WFP Director of US Relations. "With the help of USAID, we are sustaining millions of people in the world's most difficult circumstances."

Us Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez, US Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies agreed, saying, "United States support to WFP relief and recovery efforts is aimed at the most vulnerable populations with the goal of feeding and improving the nutritional status of those suffering from severe hunger and malnutrition. Victims of conflict such as Somali and Sudanese refugees in Kenya and recurring or long-term drought and other disasters will continue to benefit from U.S. assistance through WFP."

Eight million dollars have been earmarked for the African nation of Kenya to assist Somali and Sudanese refugees who have fled because of the widespread violence. The refugees are living in camps where it is impossible to work or farm for food, making the food distributed by the WFP necessary for survival. While anemia in the refugee camps stands at 80 per cent, but the assistance provided by the WFP has decreased the instance child malnutrition in the camps.

Another $6.2 million will be distributed in Ethiopia, which has been hard hit by alternating floods and droughts. Ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka has also affected vulnerable populations, which will be helped by $5.6 million in contributions.

In Uganda, which has been at the center of a two decades long conflict, $4.7 million will help support refugees that are living in camps. In addition to the war between government forces and the Lord's Republican Army, Ugandans have also suffered from drought and a high AIDS transmission rate. The USAID estimates that over 2.4 million people have benefited from the program, many of whom have been affected by violence and food insecurity. Almost $3 million will be distributed to Burundi to assist refugees as well as those who are returning to their homes from refugee camps.

Other countries that will receive a share of the donations include Chad ($95,000) and Mauritania ($1.4 million)

Source: United Nations World Food Program Press Release