WFP feeds 600,000 in Burundi
For the programme, which started in February and runs through January 2006, some 294,000 tons of food will be needed at an estimated cost of US$195 million, according to Mustapha Darboe, WFP representative in Burundi.
The programme to improve the food security situation will focus on children suffering from malnutrition, pregnant women, breast- feeding mothers, as well as people suffering from chronic diseases.
Refugee returnees, mainly from DR Congo, would also benefit.
Darboe said the WFP was equally carrying out humanitarian activities in schools, helping farmers with seeds and assisting social centres for vulnerable people and HIV/AIDS patients.
He said the persistent food insecurity in Burundi was related to the repeated movements of the population, unfavourable weather conditions, and a high population density.
According to the UN agency, more than 67 percent of the Burundi population has become destitute, living below the poverty line, because of the war in the country.
- Pan African News Agency
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