WFP seeks $214 million for food aid in DR Congo
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zoom Eco
The World Food Programme says it needs $214 million over six months to assist people in eastern DR Congo facing Ebola, conflict and hunger. The agency says it has already distributed more than 744,000 meals and notes that 97% of people directly affected by the outbreak still need food assistance.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking $214 million to fund its assistance to vulnerable populations in eastern DR Congo over the next six months, as they face Ebola, conflict and food insecurity, according to Zoom Eco.
Nearly 3.5 million people in Ebola-affected areas are experiencing acute food insecurity at crisis level or worse, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. Among those directly affected by the outbreak, 97% still need food assistance, the WFP says.
The agency plans to distribute dry rations to more than 500,000 relatives of patients and suspected cases over the next six months. Of the funding being sought, $78.6 million is earmarked for hot meals and rations for people affected by Ebola and their families. Since the response began, the WFP has distributed more than 744,000 meals in 59 treatment and isolation centres, as well as more than 3,000 tonnes of food to patients’ families.
The WFP is also providing logistics, telecommunications and air transport services to support health operations. The funding appeal follows the report that 3.5 million people in DR Congo are affected by food insecurity, published on 24 October. The outbreak reached an eighth province, Nord-Ubangi, on 15 October, according to an earlier report.
