DILI, 18 october 2022 (TATOLI)- Word Food Program (WFP) is providing food assistance for 42.312 pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in six municipalities.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, WFP Deputy Country Director, Ash Roger said WFP support is the strategy for the direct impact on the nutrition status.
“Food assistance can be considered as one of the most effective short-term strategies to mitigate negative nutrition impact on vulnerable groups,’’ WFP Deputy Country Director, Ash Roger said in his remarks, at the government’s warehouses, Fomento, tuesday.
He added this food assistance is provided through the cooperation between WFP and the Government of Timor-Leste, and support from the government of Japan.
The nutritious food items are composed of Fortified Rice 1.594 tons of 15 kg, beans 213 tons of 2 kg, and vegetable oil 106 bottles of 1 litter.
Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, (MSSI), Armanda Berta is pleased with the assistance provided by Japan government through WFP.
She said the food assistance will give nutrition to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, who are affected by covid-19 and flood devastation at the same time help mitigate malnutrition in Timor-Leste.
“We are working with WFP to distribute food items to six municipalities for three months. We want to ensure all pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can consume nutritious foods,’’ Berta said.
Deputy Chief Mission Ambassador of Japan in Timor-Leste, Kazumi YAMADA said Japan is committed to supporting and strengthening the relationship between the two countries, saying the aim is to achieve the country’s development.
Japan will provide additional food assistance with a total of 110 tons of rice, the support was set to arrive in Timor-Leste in the short term.
So far the assistance is funded by Japan Government with a total fund worth 3 million USD and will distribute to six municipalities such as; Ermera, Manufahi, Baucau, Dili, and others.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia Borges
