WFP chief appeals for regional peace

The head of the World Food Programme (WFP) James Morris has called for peace and stability in east and central Africa to prevent the loss of life and suffering in the region. "People in this part of the world have been the victim of brutal conflicts which have killed their loved ones, destroyed their homes and belongings, and left them totally destitute," said the WFP executive director during a visit to the agency's regional office in Kampala. Morris' appeal for stability comes at a time when there are an estimated four million displaced people who have left their homes and another 1.1 million refugees in east and central Africa, WFP said in a statement. He said the timing of donor aid was critical, and a lack of funds had forced WFP to reduce food rations in some areas, precisely when levels of malnutrition were dramatically high. "I'm urging donors to continue their support to the victims of such tragedies," he said, stressing that food aid interventions had to go beyond an emergency response. "So-called 'band-aid' interventions are not enough - we saw that in Ethiopia," he said. "We need to work on projects that help us eliminate hunger, poverty and stimulate self-reliance." "Extended families try to take care of young people orphaned by AIDS, but community safety nets are becoming overwhelmed," he added. "Food assistance is absolutely key for poor families desperately trying to feed ever-larger households."