KPL
On December 9, — Japan has signed a new agreement with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to provide emergency food assistance to vulnerable communities in Laos, as the country continues to recover from a series of tropical storms and rising food prices.
(KPL) On December 9, — Japan has signed a new agreement with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to provide emergency food assistance to vulnerable communities in Laos, as the country continues to recover from a series of tropical storms and rising food prices.
Under Japan’s Kennedy Round food aid programme, the government will contribute JPY 200 million (about USD 1.3 million). The funding will allow WFP to supply canned fish and rice to families affected by floods, landslides and seasonal food shortages. The assistance is expected to reach around 38,500 people, including nearly 19,000 women, for one month.
The programme will be implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, which oversees disaster management and social protection in Laos.
Japan’s ambassador to Laos, Tsutomu Koizumi, said the aid comes amid growing threats to food security caused by climate change and economic disruptions.
“Laos has been repeatedly struck by storms and floods over the past two years,” he said. “While this support is a temporary measure, we hope it will ease immediate hardship and help communities prepare for future challenges.”
WFP Country Director Marc-André Prost said many rural communities struggle to recover from shocks such as crop losses and volatile food prices.
“Japan’s emergency food assistance strengthens Laos’ ability to respond quickly when crises hit,” he said.
WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, providing life-saving food assistance in emergencies and supporting long-term resilience for communities affected by conflict, disasters and climate change.
KPL
