Humanitarian airlift to continue with the Republic of Korea donation
Dili – WFP humanitarian air service in support of the Government’s COVID-19 response will continue thanks to a US$150,000 donation from the Republic of Korea.
“WFP operated flights are the only reliable means of access in Timor-Leste currently. We are happy to contribute towards this critical operation,” said H.E. Mr. Kim Jeong Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea.
The funds will allow the humanitarian community to continue flying vital supplies to Timor-Leste until April. There have been no commercial international flights since March 2020 due to COVID-19.
“WFP is grateful to the Republic of Korea for this timely contribution,” said Dageng Liu, WFP Timor-Leste Country Director. “Thanks to this, WFP can keep the humanitarian flights going, moving vital medical and humanitarian supplies to where they are needed the most on behalf of the Government and the humanitarian community. Now WFP, in consultation with the Government and partners, will coordinate a managed transition and exit strategy.”
Since 14 June 2020, WFP has operated 18 chartered flights, transporting 1,267 passengers in and out of the country and bringing in 14 metric tons of medical supplies. Over 80 organizations and the Government of Timor-Leste have utilized the service.
The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are 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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