On Saturday, the World Food Programme (WFP) issued a call for $14.1 million in funding to continue its humanitarian efforts in Libya, where food insecurity, poverty, and malnutrition persist despite some improvements in conditions. The funds are crucial for sustaining aid programs from April to September, supporting the WFP’s mission to assist those most in need across the nation.
Libya faces ongoing challenges compounded by economic instability, reduced agricultural output, and the impacts of climate change. These issues are intensified by the devaluation of the Libyan dinar, which has significantly eroded purchasing power, particularly affecting low-income families and making essential goods unaffordable.
In response, the WFP is actively distributing food and emergency supplies. One of its significant interventions includes the use of electronic voucher programs, allowing beneficiaries to purchase diverse food items from local markets. This approach not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also bolsters the local economy and sustains community cohesion.
Additionally, the WFP is engaged in educational support through its “Full School Day” initiative, providing two healthy meals daily to 2,500 students across nine schools in Libya. This program aims to ensure that children have the necessary nutrition to support their educational pursuits and overall well-being.
The situation in Libya has been further stressed by natural disasters, such as the unprecedented flooding caused by Storm Daniel last September. The storm led to extensive damage in eastern Libya, prompting widespread displacement. In response, the WFP has undertaken efforts to rehabilitate essential infrastructure, such as bakeries in Derna, which were among the hardest-hit areas.
Moreover, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has triggered a significant influx of refugees into Libya, with the city of Kufra, close to the Sudanese border, receiving the largest number of displaced individuals. As of March, WFP teams have identified approximately 21,000 Sudanese refugees in Kufra in urgent need of food, healthcare, and other forms of assistance.
The WFP’s call for funding is part of a broader effort to address the immediate and long-term challenges faced by Libya, aiming to stabilize the region and improve the lives of its people through sustained humanitarian assistance.
