Switzerland contributes 2.4 mln USD to support WFP in Sudan

Switzerland contributed 2.4 million U.S. dollars to support the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan, said WFP in a statement Monday.

The contribution will be used "to support the WFP's recovery and safety-net activities which aim to improve household food security throughout Sudan," the statement said.

The contribution is split into a cash grant of 1.5 million dollars and a donation in-kind of dried skimmed milk, valued at 933,489 dollars, it noted.

WFP Representative in Sudan and Country Director, Adnan Khan, praised Switzerland's support, saying "this generous contribution from Switzerland will develop our efforts to better assist the people we serve in recovering from setbacks as well as regaining their strength when faced with potential turmoil such as natural disasters or conflicts."

According to the statement, the WFP will use the funds to buy 276 tons of nutritional products to treat and prevent acute malnutrition which often accompany turmoil and displacement.

It further noted that "The funds will cover the needs of over 33,000 pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years old, for the coming three months."

In July 2015, the WFP launched a two-year plan in Sudan, offering 5.2 million people food along with recovery and resilience-building activities to assist communities in becoming more self-sufficient by mid-2017. Endit