LOC01:09
22:09 GMT
ROME, Oct 26 (KUNA) -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) stated Monday that it has received a generous donation of 3.5 million euros (about USD 4.14 million) from Italy to provide vital food assistance to over 60,000 vulnerable people in the war-torn Libya.
In a press statement, the WFP noted that the donation would be also used to support its emergency response operations and data collection to identify needs and guide humanitarian intervention.
"We are most grateful for this timely contribution from Italy that will allow us to continue to provide critical food assistance. Among other initiatives, it ensures the continuation of electronic vouchers that play a vital role in supporting the local economy," said WFP Country Director and Representative in Libya Samer Abdeljaber.
"Italy's continuous support has buoyed our response in Libya, and this new commitment marks a significant step in the partnership and ensures real impact on the ground."
It pointed out that this was the largest contribution WFP had received in Libya since it re-established its office there in 2014, adding that Italy had contributed to the Libya operation every year since 2017.
The first phase in voucher assistance was launched in Libya thanks to Italy's past contributions, and with this new funding WFP can ensure this very successful form of assistance continues.
The WFP started using food e-vouchers in Libya with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year as it also helps ensure less crowding and lines, crucial at such a delicate time.
It will also use the funds to provide food assistance through direct food distributions to internally displaced people (including children) and host communities, and support WFP's food assistance in the inter-agency emergency rapid response mechanism that ensures delivering core supplies to recently displaced people in urgent need.
Food insecurity in the war-ravaged country has been a challenge due to protracted displacement, disruption to markets, dwindling food production and overreliance on food imports, and has skyrocketed in the last months due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a suffering economy. (end)
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