ISLAMABAD: The European Union has contributed crucial funds to enable livelihoods and nutrition programme being run by United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in the most affected drought-hit areas of Sindh. According to a statement, nearly $4.5 million funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) will be used to assist recovery and stabilisation of people affected by food insecurity and drought. The funds will also help provide nutrition support and develop household capacity to strengthen rehabilitation. “The most vulnerable households in terms of malnutrition and livestock/yields losses are being prioritised,” said Finbarr Curran, country director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Pakistan. “We know that in some areas 37 percent of deaths recorded were childern.100 percent household have experienced moderate drought, 83.8 percent facing extreme water scarcity and 27.7 percent do not have access to safe water sources,” he said. “Treatment is also being provide to around 1,9000 children of 6-59 months of age, and 18,000 malnourished pregnant and nursing women. Activities also include improving the behaviour and practices of those providing healthcare to infants,” he added.
