The response comes amid controversy surrounding the sub-standard food distributed by the WFP to the earthquake victims and its alleged threats to pull out its assistance from Nepal.
"WFP has been in Nepal for over 50 years, bringing essential food to the most vulnerable," a press statement issued by the WFP quoted WFP Country Director Pippa Bradford as saying. "WFP will stay at the side of the Nepali people, working hand in hand with the government to support the ongoing recovery efforts, and ultimately to assist in the construction of a stronger and more prosperous Nepal."
The WFP also said that its humanitarian response to the people of Nepal is carried out in close partnership with the Nepali government. Working with authorities at the central, district and village development committee levels and with local partners, WFP has to date reached over two million people with food.According to the statement, the WFP has launched a second phase which has already reached 440,000 people with rice, pulses and oil in 10 districts, and distributed nutrition supplements to prevent acute malnutrition to 12,700 children aged under two and 1,400 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, 37,000 people in two districts have received cash assistance in exchange for light recovery work such as removing rubble and rehabilitating fields.
Porters have been hired to bring essential food supplies and building materials to extremely isolated locations, which cannot be reached by vehicle or helicopter. As they work their way up the mountain, the porters are clearing trails that are vital to the local economy. "Every person employed by WFP is working very hard on behalf of the earthquake-affected people. This is even more true for our Nepali colleagues, who are entirely focused on their work, in spite of having to deal with the consequences of the disaster on their homes and among their family members," said Bradford
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