The Government of Japan has provided a $50 million donation to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which will aid Nigeria among other countries.
According to a WFP statement, the award would benefit 20 nations, the most of which are in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The fund will also assist countries experiencing acute economic problems, conflicts, and extreme weather.
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Haiti, Jordan, Liberia, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Ukraine, and Yemen are among the nations that will receive more assistance.
The WFP welcomed Japan’s grant at a time of extraordinary funding scarcity, stating that the contribution will allow it to assist vulnerable populations affected by conflict, extreme weather, and the economic crisis. Japan has continuously been one of the WFP’s largest donors.
The $13.5 million award will be utilized to help the most destitute people in Afghanistan by providing emergency food distribution and nutrition assistance.
Similarly, more than $11 million will be dedicated to give food, nutrition, and livelihood aid to those affected by the conflict in Palestine.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has displaced many Palestinians and threatens over 2.2 million people with acute starvation.
Myanmar will receive $5.8 million to support emergency food and nutrition assistance programs for the most vulnerable individuals, including displaced schoolchildren in conflict-affected states and regions as a result of extreme weather and political crises.
Japan is providing $4.7 million in food assistance to WFP in Ukraine to meet the immediate needs of war-affected families. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in food shortages throughout the country.
The WFP stated that $1.9 million will be utilized to offer life-saving emergency food assistance to families in need. Nearly 18 million people are experiencing extreme hunger, and at least 7.6 million have been displaced.
A $2 million funding will be used to address deteriorating food insecurity among Yemen’s most vulnerable population, providing life-saving assistance.
In response to the funding, Yasuhiro Tsumura, Director of the World Food Programme Japan Relations Office, stated, “We are grateful for this tremendous contribution from the people of Japan. This contribution allows us to reach families that are suffering from hunger and lack of access to food as a result of conflict and catastrophes, thereby improving the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable households.
“The World Food Programme is currently experiencing a major financing crisis. However, reducing rations will just increase the number of those in need. We humbly appeal for the Japanese people’s continuous support.”
