The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a crucial 1,630 metric tons of wheat from the Russian Federation to assist refugees in Ethiopia's Gambella region. This donation arrives as WFP grapples with severe funding shortages, forcing them to drastically cut food assistance.
At a ceremony in Adama, Russian Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin officially handed over the wheat to WFP officials. The delegation then witnessed the loading of wheat onto trucks destined for refugee camps.
This contribution will provide vital food aid to 163,240 refugees, many of whom are resorting to desperate measures like begging and selling assets to survive due to insufficient food rations.
"This generous contribution from Russia will provide a lifeline to vulnerable refugees who depend entirely on WFP for their food needs," said Jennifer Bitonde, WFP Ethiopia Deputy Country Director. "We are deeply grateful for Russia's continued support and solidarity with refugees in Ethiopia."
Ambassador Terekhin emphasized the importance of food security and highlighted Ethiopia's efforts to increase its agricultural production. He also stressed the crucial role of cooperation between donor countries and UN agencies like WFP in saving lives globally.
Ethiopia currently hosts over a million refugees, primarily from neighboring countries. The recent influx of refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan has further strained humanitarian resources.
While most refugees have received only 60 percent of their required food rations for over a year, WFP plans to maintain full rations for Sudanese refugees who have arrived since April 2023 for at least the next six months.