THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD

Published purpose

Despite recent improvements in the political situation, the negative effects of an extended period of civil war is expected to persist at least for the near future. Humanitarian assistance is still needed to address the needs of the most vulnerable, including returnees and refugees. Within the country there is a high level of food insecurity, with an estimated 34 percent of Burundians facing extreme food insecurity. A further 29 percent are moderately food-insecure, with a daily caloric intake of only 1,400-2,000 kcal per day. The national rate of child chronic malnutrition is 46 percent. In addition to general food distributions that support vulnerable groups, activities geared towards ensuring longer-term recovery are being undertaken. These activities include school feeding, asset creation, skills training and nutrition programmes, including support for people living with HIV. CIDA’s contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) is helping to strengthen access to food for vulnerable groups and improve enrolment, attendance and learning in primary schools. It also helps to increase attendance at health services by pregnant and lactating women, as well as rebuilding the livelihoods of those affected by many years of food insecurity.