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Dept for International Development

Answer

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action is being taken to respond to emergency food needs in (a) southern Mozambique and (b) Lesotho. [146156] Hilary Benn: DFID is currently helping over 600,000 people in drought affected areas in southern Mozambique, working in coordination with other donors. DFID has recently provided an additional £2.3 million for WFP's operation, which includes a contribution to further vulnerability assessments. In addition, a further £350,000 has been given to support UNICEF's emergency response and vulnerability reduction programme. This programme includes nutritional and epidemiological surveillance, supplementary feeding, and nutrition support for people living with HIV/AIDS. While a good harvest is predicted for April 2004, we shall continue to monitor the situation closely. In Lesotho, DFID is working closely with the WFP and has already provided £3 million to support feeding programmes and to assist agricultural recovery. However prospects for the 2004 harvest remain grim, with the poorest seasonal rains since records began in 1915. It is evident that food shortages will continue and that vulnerable groups will require on-going assistance. We have earmarked funds to respond to a new emergency appeal which is being prepared.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

416 c36W; 146156

Session

2003-04

Subjects

International assistance Food Droughts Mozambique Famine Food aid World Food Programme UNICEF Lesotho

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk