"With this funding, we reinforce once more the commitment of the Government of Japan, to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of families in Angola and in the creation of a favorable environment for the integral development of each child, particularly those who live in situations that increase their vulnerability ", says Maruhashi Jiro, Japanese Ambassador to the country, in a statement sent to VerAngola.
Support from the Government of Japan encompasses a package of activities aimed at generating evidence on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, promoting mental health issues and ensuring that refugees from the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are accommodated in the settlement of Lóvua and that living in Dundo (Lunda Norte province) can meet basic food and nutrition requirements by taking advantage of food distributions and relevant information on nutrition, health and hygiene.
"In times of the pandemic, it is crucial to support vulnerable communities such as refugees, as their nutrition and food security can be negatively affected by the social and economic consequences of covid-19", adds the official.
"Japan's contribution will allow WFP to support 7000 refugees for two months," said WFP Head of Office in Angola, Michele Mussoni. Having supported WFP's vital assistance to refugees in 2020, Japan remains an important partner in Angola, ensuring continuity of operations, he points out.
In turn, the WHO representative in Angola said that the covid-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on the provision of health care and indirectly affected the nutritional status and mental health of vulnerable populations. "With the support of the Government of Japan, WHO will, at the national level, strengthen support for mental health and nutrition programs, as well as support the adaptation of norms and protocols for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition and its health consequences, with priority for populations in situations of vulnerability ", said Djamila Cabral.
A portion of Japan's funds will be earmarked for actions in the field of water and sanitation, production of risk communication materials and community engagement for schools, and access to nutrition services for at least 10,000 children under the age of five, for prevention and management of acute malnutrition.
"With greater efforts, Unicef will continue to work to prevent malnutrition, especially in families with babies and children, address the issue of gender-based violence, make schools safe for children and make health services accessible to ensure that children can grow and develop in a healthy environment ", said Ivan Yerovi, representative of the Fund in Angola.
WHO, WFP and Unicef say they are working to provide a more unified response and to draw attention to the growing problem of malnutrition and food insecurity, as well as bringing the international community closer to an integrated response.
