Canada Responds to World Food Programme's Appeal for Drought-Striken Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that Canada will contribute $30 million to the World Food Programme to those affected by the drought in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda.

"The drought in these countries has created a critical situation. Canada is responding to the urgent need to assist the World Food Programme to meet the food and nutrition needs in these countries", said Minister Oda. "Addressing food security needs in Africa and elsewhere is a top priority for our government."

World Food Programme operations in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda are helping to meet the needs of approximately 17 million people, including internally displaced persons, refugees, returnees, women and children, whose food security is further threatened by severe drought conditions.

The World Food Programme stresses the importance of these operations in meeting the basic food needs of these populations.

Extremely high malnutrition rates in excess of 20 percent are reported in areas of Sub-Saharan Africa affected by drought, reflecting the severity of the crisis.

Canada is currently the 3rd largest single country contributor to the World Food Programme and this year has doubled its aid to Africa over 2003-04 assistance contributions, a year earlier than its G8 commitment.

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