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| [PHOTO: UNifeed] |
Rakhine state is an extremely remote, undeveloped region
where inter-communal violence has forced tens of thousands of people from their
homes in recent months.
WFP is dispatching and distributing food for more than
35,000 people in all Rakhine townships affected by the surge in violence in
October. Most of the affected
communities can only be reached by water transport. WFP is moving most of its
food on small, boats along the shallow waterways.
The agency also continues to provide regular food assistance
to about 65,000 people displaced in June, who are now living in camps in and
around Sittwe town. Food prices in
Sittwe and the surrounding area are reported to have increased dramatically in
recent days, putting an extra strain on the resources of people living in this
already very poor region of Myanmar.
WFP estimates a requirement of US$11 million over the next
six months to provide for the food needs of over 100,000 displaced people. All
food commodities, except oil, can be purchased locally in Myanmar and shipped
directly to the affected areas.
Since June, food aid has at all times included rations of
Super Cereal – a specialised nutritious food – in the assistance given to
pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five amongst the displaced.
This is a preventive measure designed to guard against malnutrition. -UNifeed