Japan to Provide 1.5 Billion Yen Food Aid to Africa

Jul. 26–TOKYO — Japan has decided to provide 1.5 billion yen worth of food aid to six African countries, the Foreign Ministry and the United Nations’ World Food Program announced Tuesday in Tokyo.

The aid will be provided to Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Malawi and Mozambique through the WFP. Wheat, rice, maize and prepared meals will be given to internally displaced people who have fled from domestic conflicts and those who are suffering from lack of food due to droughts.

“We are grateful that Japan has demonstrated interest and commitment” in working on the issue of hunger, said Sheila Sisulu, deputy executive director of the WFP.

The WFP said it will monitor the food supplying process through its local offices in the region and make sure the food gets to those who need it.

Japan pledged to double its aid to Africa at the recent summit meeting of the Group of Eight nations in Gleneagles, Scotland.

—–

To see more of Kyodo News International, go to http://www.kyodonews.com

Copyright (c) 2005, Kyodo News International, Tokyo

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.