Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daniel D
Published on 2024-03-26 15:44:44
Cameroon’s Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS) and the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) have joined forces to combat hunger and malnutrition in the country. The partnership was officially established in Yaounde on March 22, with Social Affairs Minister Pauline Irene Nguene and WFP’s Country Director Wanja Kaaria signing the agreement.
The collaboration aims to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition in three regions of Cameroon that are struggling with armed conflicts. One of the key components of the partnership is the creation of an integrated system to provide comprehensive support to vulnerable communities. This includes the construction of special canteens in support centers for vulnerable children and the establishment of a National Solidarity Fund to strengthen social protection initiatives.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and WFP will work together to implement these measures, with WFP offering technical assistance to ensure their successful execution. Minister Irene Nguene emphasized the importance of intersectoral social action in partnership with various national and international stakeholders.
For WFP, this collaboration aligns with its broader mission to achieve zero hunger by 2030. The organization will focus on identifying children for school feeding programs, which serve as vital safety nets for countless children across Cameroon.
Despite some progress, food insecurity remains a significant challenge in Cameroon, particularly in the Far North Region and the two Anglophone Regions. As of March 2023, 11 percent of the population faced acute food insecurity, totaling around 3 million people, according to OCHA. Although this figure slightly dropped to 10.6 percent by October 2023, the underlying issues persist due to ongoing conflicts and instability.
The partnership between the Government of Cameroon and WFP is a critical step towards addressing food insecurity and enhancing resilience among vulnerable communities. By pooling their resources and expertise, both parties are poised to make significant advancements in the fight against hunger and malnutrition, ultimately improving the well-being of millions of Cameroonians.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
