By Iliya Kure
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed the announcement of a US$615,000 contribution by South African Government for the provision of vital emergency services to more than 10,000 people affected by mudslides and flooding in Sierra Leone.
“This timely and generous contribution from South Africa comes as people are at their most vulnerable, having lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods,” said WFP Representative and Country Director Housainou Taal. “We are most grateful for South Africa’s response to Sierra Leone’s appeal for international assistance.”
WFP is currently leading a coordinated humanitarian response in the hardest-hit communities of Regent, Sugar Loaf and Mortomeh outside the capital of Freetown.
Together with their partners, they are providing food, shelter and other essential assistance to affected families. WFP is also working closely with the government to strengthen disaster risk management and emergency response capabilities.
“The people and Government of South Africa have demonstrated their solidarity with the people of Sierra Leone,” said acting Regional Director for southern Africa Lola Castro. “South Africa’s humanitarian support to Sierra Leone is vital at a time when so many global emergencies require support”.
WFP has been working in Sierra Leone since 1968. Its food and nutritional assistance helps in strengthening the resilience of more than 800,000 people and supports some of the country’s most vulnerable residents, including Ebola orphans and survivors, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, and smallholder farmers