Pakistan

Australia pumps $4.5m more into WFP

In 2016, Australia has contributed $9 million to WFP initiatives

News Desk November 16, 2016

quot chronic malnutrition levels in pakistan have not changed in the past 40 years and have been estimated to cost the economy 3 of its gross domestic product gdp per year quot dr paracha

"Chronic malnutrition levels in Pakistan have not changed in the past 40 years and have been estimated to cost the economy 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) per year," Dr Paracha.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed the $4.5 million contribution from the Australian government to support food and nutrition security among displaced communities in Pakistan.

The amount will be used to provide sustenance over a period of three years, said a press release. Australia’s contribution will be used for WFP’s education programme in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Frontier Regions (FR). The funding will enable the initiative to provide food-based assistance at schools.

Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson said Australia had a longstanding history of working with Pakistan to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by a crisis. “Since 2010, Australia has provided more than AUD 95 million in humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in partnership with the WFP.” Those who benefitted from the funding included victims of earthquakes, floods and displacement.

“Australia’s assistance also helped provide nutrition to malnourished women and children, livelihood support and school feeding programmes,” Adamson added.

WFP acting country director Stephen Gluning said the organization was grateful to the people and government of Australia for this contribution. “These funds will address critical education needs of communities returning to Fata and the FRs,” he added.

In 2016, Australia has contributed $9 million to WFP initiatives, placing it among the top five donors to the programme in Pakistan.

"The Government of Pakistan extends its gratitude to the Australian Government for its unwavering support,” announced Federal Minister of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Lt General (Retd) Abdul Qadir.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2016.