Japan supports WFP’s drought response in Namibia --[Reported by Umva mag]

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a significant contribution of US$500,000 (approximately N$ 9 million) from the government of Japan to bolster its emergency drought response efforts in Namibia.

The funding aims to assist the nearly 1.4 million Namibians currently facing severe food insecurity due to the worst drought in a century.

WFP country director for Namibia, Tiwonge Machiwenyika said the UN agency plans to use the Japanese funding to provide food commodity vouchers to 27,000 individuals affected by the drought, including 16,000 residents in the Kunene Region and 11,000 in the Ohangwena Region.

“We are grateful for the timely contribution from the Government of Japan which enhances our ability to meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children,” Machiwenyika said.

The vouchers, redeemable at selected local retailers, are designed to complement the Namibian government’s emergency drought response, improving food security and stimulating the local economy.

Namibia is grappling with alarming malnutrition rates, with 17 percent of children under five years stunted and 48 percent classified as anaemic.

Japanese ambassador to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki pledged Japan’s ongoing commitment to WFP’s operations, noting that his government has contributed over US$1.5 million since 2021 to support food assistance and enhance community resilience in the southern African country in the face of drought.

JN/APA

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