France, WFP and Save the Children sign €3mil address nutritional problems in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, September 14, 2023 (FBC) – The Government of France, the World Food Program (WFP), and Save the Children (SC) have signed funding agreements aimed at combating the nutritional problems in Ethiopia, according to the French Embassy in Ethiopia.

The official signing ceremony, which took place at the French Embassy in Addis Ababa, announced a collective commitment of 3 million Euros.

Out of this, the 2 million euro grant will bolster WFP’s programs devised to mitigate adverse repercussions arising from conflict, drought, post-COVID-19 challenges, and locust invasions in the country, it was learned.

According to the press release, the funds will cater daily meals to students, and provide support to pregnant and lactating women, specialized nutrition and community screenings as well as training for school cooks and support local farmers, among others, in 8 regional states.

Moreover, the project will facilitate access to curative nutrition services, create livelihood opportunities, and ensure basic needs, according to ENA.

During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux said that “France stands with the people of Ethiopia in this difficult period and hopes these timely contributions will save lives and livelihoods.”

The release further stated that this latest support complements a 7-million Euro grant allocated to various international NGOs and UN agencies in May with the view to reducing acute malnutrition, enhancing food security and resilience, and strengthening local capacities.