The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a donation of 138 metric tons of dates from Saudi Arabia. The contribution, facilitated through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), will support vulnerable people in Somalia.
The dates will be included in emergency food baskets. An estimated 4.6 million Somalis are projected to face crisis-levels of hunger by June. Drought, conflict, and high food prices exacerbate the situation.
El-Khidir Daloum, WFP's Country Director in Somalia, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Saudi Arabia. The donation, valued at US$388,000, will enable WFP to include dates in food baskets for 200,000 people. Dates provide essential nutritional benefits and hold cultural importance.
Mr. Yazeed Abdullah Hamoud, Director of the KSrelief branch in Africa, affirmed KSrelief's commitment to working with partners like WFP. The goal is to provide assistance to those facing hardship. Since 2022, KSrelief has contributed US$8.5 million to support WFP's relief and nutrition initiatives in Somalia.
This collaboration aims to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in Somalia. The donation underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing food insecurity.