Japan provides critical funding for WFP's school feeding activities and emergency assistance in eastern DRC
Kinshasa— The UN World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes two generous contributions to its programmes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), totalling around US$10.4 million from the Government of Japan at a time of unprecedented funding shortage.
With more than 6 million people uprooted from their homes and livelihoods, and 4.6 million cases of children requiring treatment for malnourishment country wide, this donation comes at a critical time. It will provide immediate relief to the country's most vulnerable communities through two contributions: around US$ 9.7 million for emergency food and nutrition assistance to families displaced by the conflict and humanitarian air services through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), and US$ 712,481 for school feeding programmes in the south-central provinces of Kasai and Kasai Oriental.
"This funding will go a long way to help WFP extend its reach to those most at risk, especially in the east where the conflict has displaced nearly 1 million people in just a few months,” said Peter Musoko, Representative and Country Director of WFP in the DRC. “We must address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term development, so that families have better access to healthy food.’’
In the DRC, WFP is feeding 148,000 children across 4 provinces and is planning to reach 600,000 in 2024.
"Nearly a quarter of the Congolese population is still facing acute food insecurity, humanitarian needs are reaching record levels, notably due to the lack of transport and communications infrastructure, poor access to markets and, even when food is available, high prices and a lack of income means that many people, even those in schools, cannot afford to eat properly. Japan’s support intends to strengthen food security and resilience in emergency situations, and to contribute to the elimination of hunger in schools and the improvement of schooling for children." emphasized H.E. Mr Hidetoshi Ogawa, the Ambassador of Japan to the DRC.
Over the next six months, WFP needs US$ 548.5 million to keep comprehensive operations in the DRC, including operations in Eastern DRC, where violence has led to mass displacement.
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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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