Speaking on the handover ceremony, @RRSEthiopia Deputy Director General Mulualem Desta outlined that the substantial donation came at a critical time when urgent action is required to mobilize resources to meet the standards for refugee food aid.
“This donation will help address the poor nutritional status of refugees in Ethiopia, exacerbated by insufficient resource and fund allocation. Due to these constraints, refugees have often received monthly food rations below the minimum standard, leading to poor nutrition and heightened vulnerability to diseases,” Mulualem noted.
He went on saying that efforts to link humanitarian assistance with development interventions and peace-building initiatives to ensure self-reliance and resilience among communities is underway.
While notable progress has been made, much still remains to improve food security, nutritional wellbeing and the overall quality of life for refugees, he emphasized.
In this respect, he thanked the Russian Federation for the generous assistance and appreciated WFP for its initiatives and engagements in long-term development programs to ensure self-reliance and durable solutions for refugees, in addition to addressing their immediate food needs.
On the other hand, Russian Amb. to Ethiopia Mr. Yevgeny Terekhin said that food assistance delivered on time is invaluable, citing that close cooperation between donors and UN Agencies is of paramount importance in saving lives.
Also speaking on the event, WFP Deputy Country Director Jennifer Bitonde said that the significant contribution from the Russian Federation will support individuals seeking refuge in Ethiopia.
