DAMASCUS – For the first time in four months, the World Food Programme (WFP) and humanitarian partners today reached Douma, in the besieged enclave of Eastern Ghouta near the Syrian capital. Eastern Ghouta has endured tremendous suffering, with over 400,000 people there experiencing severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines and drinking water.
WFP today brought in food for thousands of people and specialized nutrition supplies for malnourished children. Aid workers also conducted food security, nutrition and medical assessments in Douma.
Plans are underway for another inter-agency convoy to access Eastern Ghouta this Thursday, bringing enough food and humanitarian assistance for 70,000 people.
“A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Eastern Ghouta where raging violence has paralyzed our response and our ability to reach families who desperately need help,” says Jakob Kern, WFP Representative and Country Director in Syria. “The longer Eastern Ghouta is deprived of the necessities of life, the more people will die. We appeal to all parties to allow the ongoing and safe delivery of aid to all people in need, no matter where they are.”
Key data:
- WFP today delivered wheat flour for 27,500 people, complementing ICRC rations.
- WFP today delivered nutrition supplies for 300 children.
- Recent food security analysis has revealed widespread severe malnutrition in Douma.
- WFP last reached Eastern Ghouta in February 2018 with food for some 7,200 people.
- WFP provides food assistance to 3 million people in Syria every month.
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The World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world’s leading humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate extremes.
