In response to the unfolding drought in the Horn of Africa, the U. S. Government, through the USAID Office of Food for Peace, has signed an agreement in Washington to contribute approximately 19,000 metric tons (MT) of food aid to the World Food Program (WFP) for activities in Somalia. This food has already been strategically prepositioned in regional warehouses to ensure rapid delivery and distribution to women and children in Somalia.

Speaking in Nairobi, USAID East Africa Regional Mission Director Larry Meserve said, “This new contribution will go a long way to help meet the needs of millions of Somalis who have been hit hard by this natural disaster. It is also a statement from the U.S. Government to the people of Somalia that we stand by them and will continue to help mitigate further suffering.”

This new contribution, valued at approximately US$ 24.5 million, complements an earlier 2011 contribution of US$14.5 million in cash from USAID to WFP/Somalia to facilitate the transport of 65,000 MT of food donated by the Government of Brazil. U.S. Government humanitarian support to Somalia in fiscal year 2011 totals US$43 million to date.

USAID provides assistance to Somalia through its ongoing health, education, democracy and economic growth development programs. In addition, the U.S. Government provides support to approximately 350,000 Somali refugees who are based in Kenya, with food and other health and educational assistance.

Contact:

Matt Goshko

Public Affairs Officer | Somalia Affairs Unit | U.S. Embassy, Nairobi

Office 254-20-363-6181 | Cell 254-073 360 8556 | Fax: 254-20-363-6329

GoshkoME@state.gov