New support for victims of drought and conflict in Nepal
1 April 2009
Today UK Development Minister Mike Foster announced an additional NRs 460
million for the World Food Programme’s food and relief work across Nepal.
He travelled to remote Achham District, where DFID and the World Food Programme (WFP) are working closely with government and other agencies to provide assistance to 120,000 people over the next six months. This money will support food-for-work programmes, rebuild schools and health posts that were either damaged or neglected during the conflict, and build new water supplies and irrigation schemes. Maternal and child nutrition work will also be part of the programme.
Mike Foster talked to people receiving support, particularly women and children, many of whom would have faced starvation or destitution without WFP help. The Minister also saw the benefits of past joint work between WFP and DFID on roads programmes.
He said:
"I'm very impressed by what I have seen today. Not only are people receiving immediate help but they are being given the means to lift themselves out of poverty. These aren't handouts - these are hand-ups that are making a real difference. So it makes me doubly happy to announce an additional NRs 460 million of help to carry out vital lifesaving work."
Richard Ragan WFP's country representative in Nepal, said:
"Conflict, natural disasters and high food prices have decimated the food stocks
and livelihoods of millions of Nepalese. WFP has provided food assistance to
more than 1.5 million people, but more than 1 million are still in need. The
generous support received from DFID will play a significant role in WFP's
efforts to reach these vulnerable populations."
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Notes to editors
The Department for International Development will provide an additional £4 million to WFP’s work in Nepal. At current exchange rates, this is worth NRs 460 million.
For further information, please contact:
Tony Burdon, Deputy Head of DFID Nepal:
t-burdon@dfid.gov.uk, 554 2980
Arjun Kumal, Communications Manager, DFID Nepal:
ab-kumal@dfid.gov.uk, 554 2980;
mobile: 98510 03836
Michael Haig: Press Officer, DFID London:
m-haig@dfid.gov.uk, +44 7788 645 793; Nepal mobile: 9741 179 503
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