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UK to give 9 million pounds in food aid to the people of Zimbabwe
DFID Zimbabwe
July 18, 2008

The UK government has announced a 9 million pound contribution to the World Food Programme to help provide food to millions of hungry people in Zimbabwe.

The money will be spent on food aid, targeted for Zimbabwe's poorest and most vulnerable households. The WFP will also use a small proportion of the funds to strengthen its monitoring systems to ensure that food aid reaches those who need it most.

Announcing the new funding in London, Douglas Alexander, the UK Secretary of State for International Development, said:

"The ongoing political problems in Zimbabwe should not divert our gaze from the continuing humanitarian disaster. By the end of 2008, up to five million men, women and children could be facing severe hunger and malnutrition."

Mr Alexander also called for an immediate lifting of the current suspension on NGO food relief operations, which is preventing essential aid from getting through.

The 9 million pound contribution brings the total UK humanitarian contribution to Zimbabwe since 2001 to over 220 million pounds. The UK's department for International Development (DFID) plans to spend 44 million pounds this year in Zimbabwe. This will provide food aid, help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, ensure the availability of essential medicines, protect the livelihoods of poor people, and give much needed assistance to children affected by HIV/AIDS.

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