The Governor of Lahij discusses humanitarian conditions in the province with the World Food Programme.
Governor of Lahij Discusses Humanitarian Situation with WFP Team
On Monday, Governor of Lahij, Major General Ahmed Turki, met with a team from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), led by Rashid Hamad, the Deputy Director of the WFP office in the temporary capital, Aden. The discussion focused on the worsening humanitarian conditions in the province, particularly affecting thousands of impoverished families. These challenges stem from a decline in aid and the exclusion of several deserving cases from the program’s assistance lists in recent months.
Acknowledging WFP’s Efforts
During the meeting, which also included local council secretary Awad Al-Salahi and directors of the Planning and International Cooperation Office, Dr. Hisham Al-Sakkaf, and the Social Affairs and Labor Office, Saeb Abdul Aziz, Governor Turki praised the significant role of the WFP in alleviating the suffering of citizens. He highlighted the program’s efforts to provide both material and in-kind humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable families across the province. Turki emphasized that these initiatives have helped bridge the food gap and mitigate the deteriorating living conditions amid extremely challenging economic circumstances.
Urgent Need for Inclusion of Excluded Districts
The governor stressed the importance of reinstating six districts that were recently excluded from the program’s assistance. He pointed out that denying support to residents of these areas exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and increases pressure on local authorities, who are directly confronted with the needs of affected citizens.
Strengthening Partnerships for Humanitarian Aid
Governor Turki expressed the local authority’s eagerness to strengthen partnerships with the WFP and intensify collaborative efforts to address the growing humanitarian gap. He underscored that the priority lies in ensuring that aid reaches the poorest and most in-need populations, contributing to social stability and alleviating the impacts of the ongoing crisis.
WFP’s Commitment to Lahij
In response, the WFP representative affirmed that Lahij holds special significance in the program’s humanitarian response plans for Yemen. He noted that a lack of funding from international donors is the primary reason for the reduction in aid and the exclusion of certain cases. The representative assured that the WFP is actively working to mobilize the necessary resources to maintain aid flow and expand coverage for the most vulnerable groups.
Collaborative Approach to Aid Distribution
Both parties agreed on the necessity of involving a representative from local authorities in new beneficiary surveys across Lahij’s districts. This collaboration aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and credibility, ensuring accurate data collection and the proper distribution of aid to deserving families, free from errors or complications.
This meeting highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian challenges in Lahij, as local authorities and international organizations work together to support those in greatest need.
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