DUSHANBE, April 2, 2013, Asia-Plus — World Food Programme Country Director in Tajikistan Alzira Ferreira expressed gratitude to the Government of Russia for support provided to WFP activities in Tajikistan, CA-News reported on April 2.
The most part of funding of WFP programs comes from the Government of Russia, Ms. Ferreira said in her message to Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Yury Popov. WFP would be unable to provide assistance to the needy without contribution of the Russian government, she added.
Over half a million people received food assistance from WFP in 2012 in Tajikistan for over $13 million. Russia”s financial assistance enables WFP to provide hot meals to 360,000 school students, teachers and technical personnel in almost 2,000 primary schools in rural areas annually.
This assistance also lets WFP provide food rations to almost 60,000 people receiving TB treatment and their families.
Assistance is also provided to the most vulnerable families in the severest periods of the year and following the natural disasters.
Alzira Ferreira also noted Russia”s assistance in transportation of humanitarian cargoes and food security programs. Thus, $12 mln from Russia”s assistance will be spent for organization of school meals.
Despite recent economic accomplishments, food security remains a serious problem for Tajikistan, she added.
WFP relies expects continued financial assistance of Russia and hopes Russia will remain a reliable partner of WFP in Central Asia.
