WFP works in 88 countries around the world, most in conflict-affected countries. WFP spokesperson said that global hunger is increasing as is acute malnutrition, especially among children and women.
AMN / WEB DESK
The World Food Programme WFP has won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity around the globe. Our Correspondent reports that the announcement was made in Oslo by Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Nobel Committee.
The prize was given to World Food Programme for its effort to combat hunger and for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas as well as for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization that promotes food security in over 88 countries. In 2019, it had provided assistance to 97 million people who are victims of acute food insecurity and hunger. The World Food Programme distributes more than 15 billion rations every year.
WFP spokesman Thomson Phiri said the agency works in 88 countries around the world, most in conflict-affected countries. He said COVID-19 has left few places untouched and few lives unchanged. He added that global hunger is increasing as is acute malnutrition, especially among children and women.
“The economic fallout as a result of COVID has meant that more people than we have had to assist are now looking to ask for assistance. … Food is indeed the best vaccine that we have until a time when we have a vaccine. It is our hope that we will continue to work together, not only with donor governments but also with foundations, with the private sector in helping defeat hunger,” Phiri said.
This is the 12th Nobel prize awarded to the United Nations and its specialized and related agencies. Two U.N. Secretary-Generals, Dag Hammarskjold and Kofi Annan, are among the recipients of the peace prize. It has been awarded twice to the UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency.