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WFP has dispatched food for distribution to almost 2 million vulnerable Syrians inside Syria.
The proven ability of WFP to scale up over the last few months, even with the loss of a warehouse and the temporary relocation of some staff, demonstrates its capacity to deliver assistance even amidst the intensification of the conflict, to all parts of the country. However, many people in acute need are beyond our reach in zones of conflict to which we have limited or no access. WFP is gravely concerned about the situation of these people. Where possible in places such as Aleppo and Deir-ez-Zor WFP has dispatched more food than originally planned, to reach these people. In most cases this also due to diversion of food from inaccessible areas to areas with higher concentrations of internally displaced people. With broadened partnership, deep rooted knowledge of the country and a well-established logistical network, WFP is ready to further increase it’s overall target as needs assessments are completed and if resources are forthcoming.
WFP has been providing assistance from the beginning of the crisis in Syria and holds the greatest access to all 14 governorates, regardless of nature of control, through a constantly evolving logistical network. WFP has dispatched enough food for almost 2 million people inside Syria and is now scaling up food assistance to reach 2.5 million in the country in April. Of those reached inside Syria, about 500,000 were in opposition-controlled areas.
Increased insecurity in Damascus has prompted the UN to temporarily reduce staffing levels within Syria. WFP will reduce the number of staff in Syria as per the UN Department of Safety and Security requirement, but will keep them at levels needed to continue our critical operations as we scale up to meet the needs of 2.5 million people.
The latest Joint Humanitarian Convoy supported by the Logistics Cluster has reached Aleppo with essential medical and surgical items, quilts, hygiene kits, family kits, and sweaters, on behalf of UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, and WHO.