Russia through the Russia Federation has donated US$ 1.5 Million to the UNWFP to be used to help 100 000 people in Hwange, Nkayi and Zvishavane districts.
Speaking at the official food handover ceremony, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Zimbabwe, Nikolai V. Krasilnikov said
This assistance represents a good example of the concerted efforts of the international community. It is being implemented with the most effective management of the UN World Food Programme.
From the Russian side it is being reinforced with the investment projects and other forms of cooperation based on the deeply rooted relations of the friendship and solidarity between Russia and Zimbabwe.
On aggregate this assistance is to benefit the Second Republic in its sustainable socio-economic development.
This comes a few weeks after Canada donated $3 Million CAD to benefit about 55 000 people in Matopos. Eddie Rowe WFP Country director thanked Russia and said:
WFP’s top priority is to meet urgent humanitarian needs for millions of hungry Zimbabweans. With this generous contribution from the Russian Federation, we have been able to purchase over 1,000 metric tonnes of food to support some of the most vulnerable people in the worst hit areas of the country.
The country is experiencing its worst hunger crisis in at least a decade. This timely support from the people of Russia will make a huge difference in the lives of families here who are trying to make it through the lean season