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WFP and Iraqi Trade Ministry team up to distribute food
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Thursday agreed to partner with the Iraqi Ministry of Trade to strengthen the country's food distribution capacity.
Children in Iraq
The two parties will work together to improve the supply chain management of the Public Distribution System (PDS), which provides a monthly food ration to millions of Iraqis.
Under the PDS, every Iraqi, irrespective of income level, is entitled to a monthly food ration for a nominal fee. With annual running costs going peaking at US$4 billion, the Government is looking to reform the system to target only the most vulnerable as part of a national poverty reduction strategy.
Decades of war and sanctions have led to the collapse of infrastructure and social service in the oil-rich state, and has resulted in an estimated 930,000 food insecure Iraqis.
If it were not for the PDS, close to six and a half million would be vulnerable to food security.
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations Radio
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