The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a €700,000 contribution from the Government of Spain to support the health and nutritional status of pregnant and breastfeeding women in warn-torn Syria
WFP will use the Spanish contribution to improve women’s access to fresh food items in order to improve their diet. The funds will allow WFP to provide to selected women around 22,000 cash transfers, each with a monthly instalment of US$32.
As the conflict in Syria nears its sixth anniversary, many families across the country have lost their livelihoods, and cannot afford to buy the food they need to keep a healthy, balanced diet. WFP provides cash transfers to expectant and nursing mothers, enabling them to buy fresh products such as eggs, fruits, dairy, vegetables and meat that they cannot otherwise afford.
“Investing in expecting and breastfeeding women in Syria is investing in the future of the country, as it helps young babies reach their full adult potential,” said WFP Country Director in Syria Jakob Kern. “WFP is grateful to Spain for this support which means we can provide food assistance specifically for the next generation.”
According to the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), “last year Spain contributed 7 million euros to the Syrian crisis, fulfilling the commitment made at the London conference in February 2016.”
The physical and cognitive development of a child is established during the first 1,000 days of life – from conception until the age of two. A balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals from fruits, vegetables and other fresh products is key during this period, as well as the mother’s diet throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
