Kuwait pledges US$ 16 million to WFP to provide life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable in Syria and Turkiye
KUWAIT - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a recent contribution of US$16 million from the Government of Kuwait to support people in Syria and Türkiye who have been worst affected by the February earthquake in the region.
In Türkiye, WFP will use the funds to provide food assistance for around 150,000 crisis-affected families through cash assistance, and emergency food provisions to 590,000 individuals.
In Syria, the Kuwaiti contribution will allow WFP to provide direct cash and vouchers to address the immediate food needs of around 87,500 earthquake-affected people for nine months. At the same time, as part of longer-term efforts, WFP will rehabilitate 10 bakeries. Each bakery can provide subsidized bread for an average of 40,000 people which is critical for local food needs.
"The generous contribution from Kuwait comes at a very critical time for the relief efforts in Türkiye and Syria. Those affected by the devastating earthquake are struggling to meet their most basic needs,“ said WFP Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries Mageed Yahia. “WFP is grateful for the support of donors like Kuwait, whose contributions enable us to deliver life-changing assistance now, and for the on-going needs which persist months and often years after the initial catastrophe.”
The devastating earthquake and its aftershocks impacted 18 million people in Syria and Türkiye, leaving millions in dire need of humanitarian aid. Recovery initiatives like these funded by Kuwait help alleviate pressure on the humanitarian system whilst simultaneously sustaining food security for thousands of people in need.
WFP relies on the generosity of donors, like Kuwait, to sustain life-saving assistance in Syria and Türkiye, and in communities in need around the world.
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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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