Ireland Assists WFP Humanitarian Operations In Mozambique As The Lean Season Peaks | WPN World People News

The Irish Government announced a contribution of EUR 1.5 million to support emergency operations by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Mozambique, where 1.4 million people are unable to meet their food needs due to an El Niño-induced drought on Dec 02.

Ireland’s contribution comes as WFP is scaling up assistance to reach 700,000 people with life-saving support, as needs culminate during the hunger season in the coming 2-3 months.

“WFP welcomes this generous contribution at a time of increased needs,” said Karin Manente, WFP Country Director in Mozambique. “We’re still moving relief assistance into drought-hit areas though we’re hopeful that the current rainy season will give people good harvests next year.’’

WFP activities are designed to address immediate food needs while at the same time promoting the ability of vulnerable communities to withstand future weather-related shocks. WFP is providing assistance of various kinds - food for people building and restoring community assets, emergency school feeding and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition amongst children, and pregnant and nursing women. At the same time, WFP is also preparing for possible floods should they occur in early 2017, at the height of the rainy season.

“The importance of these funds at this difficult time cannot be overstated,’’ Irish Ambassador William Carlos said. “They will allow WFP to strengthen its humanitarian response to the drought and we will continue to work together to ensure that these funds reach those most in need.’’

Mozambique is usually hit by floods and cyclones, in the beginning of the year, which often destroy infrastructure and people’s livelihoods. At other times of the year, however, the country is prone to droughts that cause widespread loss of crops and livestock, leading to hunger among vulnerable communities.

The Government of Ireland is a long-standing partner of WFP’s mission in Mozambique and this latest contribution is in addition to Ireland’s annual EUR 20 million in multilateral support provided to WFP globally.

Source:World Food Programme