Korea, Nutrition

Korea contributes $7.8M to improve nutrition of school children in Timor-Leste

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In Timor-Leste, food security and malnutrition remain an ongoing challenge, with over one-third of the population chronically food insecure

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced a $7.8 million donation from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Through this generous contribution, WFP and WHO will work towards improving the health and nutritional status of school children in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports (MoEYS) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Timor-Lestea (a Southeast Asian nation).

For the next four years, over 300,000 children will benefit from the “Say No to 5S” (Starvation, Soil-transmitted helminthiasis, Skin diseases, Smoking and Sugary/alcoholic drinks) project implemented across the country.

In Timor-Leste, food security and malnutrition remain an ongoing challenge, with over one-third of the population chronically food insecure. The continued burden of communicable diseases and unhealthy life habits are another concern amongst Timorese children.

Under the “Say No to 5S” project, WFP will introduce mineral- and vitamin-rich fortified rice as a part of the school meals programme, targeting 79,000 children in over 400 schools in Baucau, Bobonaro, and Manufahi. The project will also focus on rehabilitating kitchens and making hygienic cooking mandatory to ensure the quality and safety of school meals.

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