Japan provides emergency food stocks for Lao PDR's disaster relief efforts
Vientiane – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Embassy of Japan signed an agreement today, to deliver critical support to Lao PDR’s disaster relief needs and bolster food security. Under this initiative, emergency food stocks will be provided to disaster-affected vulnerable people through the the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the national agency responsible for disaster relief and improving social welfare. WFP will coordinate the targeting and distribution of these supplies during emergencies.
With this contribution from Japan, WFP will, under the leadership of the Government of Lao PDR, provide emergency food assistance and recovery aid to vulnerable communities impacted by flooding and facing food shortages due to rising inflation and a weakening local currency. Through this initiative, WFP will procure rice and canned fish produced in Japan, which will be distributed to approximately 38,000 people affected by disasters.Japan’s contribution of JPY 200 million (approximately USD 1.3 million), under its Food Aid Programme, reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthen emergency preparedness and disaster response in Lao PDR.
“This project is particularly important and has an impact as it will also provide assistance in case of food shortages during the lean season,” said H.E. Tsutomu Koizumi, Ambassador of Japan to Lao PDR. “I sincerely hope that this project will be a help during difficult time for vulnerable communities. Japan, as a strategic partner of Laos, is committed to support enhancing Laos’ resilience through cooperation with various organizations such as WFP.”
Seasonal flooding and food shortages during the lean season intensify food insecurity in rural areas of Lao PDR. With WFP’s support, the Government of Lao PDR addresses both the immediate and long-term impacts of such emergencies.
The project is part of WFP’s broader strategic plan to enhance food security, reduce malnutrition, and improve resilience in disaster-prone areas. Beyond meeting immediate needs, this initiative strengthens local disaster response systems in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
“WFP is grateful for Japan’s generous support, which comes at a time when climate-related challenges are intensifying and push hundreds of Laos families to the edge, like we’ve seen this past monsoon season. Japan’s contribution will ensure that these families don’t go hungry when disaster strikes,” said Marc-André Prost, WFP Representative and Country Director in Lao PDR.
This initiative also aligns with Lao PDR’s National Social Protection Strategy and the National Strategy on Disaster Risk Reduction, contributing to broader efforts to strengthen social protection systems.
# # #
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.
Like WFP on Facebook @WFPlaopdr
Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media
View WFP on Youtube @WORLDFOODPROGRAMME