WFP cuts back Eritrea's food
2003-08-12 16:29
Geneva - The UN food aid agency said on Tuesday that a funding shortfall has forced it to reduce by one-third the number of people it is helping in drought-stricken Eritrea.
Christiane Berthiaume said the World Food Programme had collected just US$28m of the US$46m it needs to feed almost a million people in central Eritrea.
"Lack of money means we've had to cut to 600 000 the number of people who're getting help," Berthiaume told reporters. "We've had to focus on the most vulnerable among the vulnerable."
The country has seen little rain for two years and malnutrition rates are rising, particularly in Eritrea's Anseba region, she said.
Berthiaume said a similar lack of funds has forced WFP to trim other programs in Eritrea, including one to help refugees rebuilding their lives after the country's 30-month war with neighbouring Ethiopia.
Tens of thousands of people were killed during the border conflict between the two countries, which erupted in May 1998 after Ethiopia accused Eritrea of invading its territory.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year guerrilla war.
- AP