WFP Welcomes Denmark’s Support To Drought-Affected Somalis
COPENHAGEN – A well-timed contribution from Denmark of DKK 15 million (US$ 2.1 million) will help the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provide life-saving emergency assistance to people affected by drought in Somalia.
“We are grateful to Denmark for stepping up to support our emergency response to the drought in Somalia,” said WFP Country Director and Representative Laurent Bukera. “These funds will allow WFP to provide immediate cash-based transfers to the most critically affected Somalis, so they can buy food at a time when too many people are struggling to survive.”
Somalia is in a state of emergency. The drought is worsening in the north – where Puntland and Somaliland have experienced consecutive seasons of failed rains since 2015 – and has now spread to the southern and central regions of the country. Nearly three million people are acutely food insecure –more than double the number six months ago.
Years of insufficient rains, combined with factors such as land degradation, lack of seasonal jobs and volatile food prices have pushed many Somalis deeper into food and nutrition insecurity. Conflict, displacement and poor governance have compounded the problem.
In 2016, WFP provided food assistance to 1.2 million vulnerable Somalis. Depending on the season and local circumstances, WFP provides emergency relief through in-kind food assistance or through cash-based transfers to buy food from approved retailers.
WFP also supports communities in creating assets to improve livelihoods, address localized food insecurity and expand their ability to withstand shocks. WFP works with local authorities to provide daily school meals for primary school students and nutrition support for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children.
In addition to providing generous contributions directly to WFP’s global operations, Denmark is also among WFP’s most important donors of flexible funds, a vital form of support that allows a swift and efficient response where needs are greatest.
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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries.
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For more information, please contact
Anne Poulsen, WFP Copenhagen, Mobile +45 4050 3993, email: anne.poulsen@wfp.org
Caroline Hurford, WFP Rome, Mobile +39 348 132 5018
