22 percent of the Sri Lankan population is food insecure and in need of assistance
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced an AUD 22 million ($15 million) contribution from the Government of Australia to help millions of Sri Lankans who are unable to afford food.
WFP has launched a $ 60 million emergency food and nutrition assistance for 3 million of the most at-risk Sri Lankans who are facing food insecurity in the face of a record high food inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices and widespread shortages of key commodities. Monthly food vouchers valued at Rs 15,000 ($ 40) are being distributed to pregnant women from some of the poorest neighbourhoods, delivered alongside antenatal care provided by the local government.
The Australian funding will help WFP provide critical assistance to the most at-risk Sri Lankans, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and school children. To boost existing social safety net programmes, WFP is working to assist one million children through the national school meal programme, one million people participating in the Thriposha programme – which provides fortified food to mothers and children, and one million people in need of emergency food assistance through food, cash or vouchers.
image credit- shutterstock
