Canada sends more aid to combat hunger crisis in Niger and Chad

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced today that the Government of Canada will provide an additional &$6,825,000 &in response to the deteriorating food security situation in Chad and Niger.

"Canada is responding to the critical food and nutrition needs of the hungry in Chad and Niger," said Minister Oda. "The situation in Chad and Niger is reaching a crisis level and the poorest in those countries are the most vulnerable. Addressing hunger in Africa and elsewhere is a top priority for our government.

"The funds will be provided by the Canadian International Development Agency to help meet the vital food assistance needs of more than 6 million people. The funds will also support thousands of pregnant women, mothers as well as acutely malnourished children under five years of age, and will provide education to thousands of caregivers and local health and nutrition practitioners.

The World Food Programme and Save the Children Canada are important actors in responding to the needs of populations affected by the food crisis in this region. Support to these organizations strengthens the ability of the Government of Canada to provide timely, effective and appropriate humanitarian assistance in response to the current crisis in Niger and Chad.

Today’s contribution builds on previous contributions of nearly $1.95 million to the World Food Programme and Médecins sans frontières in Niger over the past year. In Chad, CIDA’s humanitarian funding in 2010 has focused on the needs of conflict-affected populations and Sudanese refugees in Darfur. Funding in Chad, totaling $7.25 million, has been provided through World Food Programme, UNICEF, and several Canadian NGOs.