The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) are supporting the Government with funding to the value of USD 600,000 (Rs. 117 million) to procure maize for the production of Thriposha.
The funds will be used to produce Thriposha, a maize-based fortified food product,which will be provided to 1.1 million mothers and children. The grant from Korea helps ensure continuation of the Thriposha program, which the Government has been conducting for almost 50 years to provide nutrition to undernourished children and pregnant and lactating women. KOICA Sri Lanka Office Country Director, Kang Youn Hwa said, “The contribution from KOICA for the Thriposha program was extended to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable people, especially children and pregnant or lactating women who are disproportionately affected by Covid-19. KOICA stands in solidarity with the Government during this difficult time. ”The Ministry of Health called for WFP’s support in ensuring a continuous supply of Thriposha. In response to this, WFP and KOICA, arranged to provide funding to bolster the program.
Deputy Country Director of WFP Sri Lanka, Andrea Berardo, “WFP has been supporting the Thriposha program for over a decade, as part of its efforts to improve nutrition standards in the country.”
He said Sri Lanka ranks among the countries with the highest rates of wasting, known as thinness, among children under five (15 percent).’ “This contribution reflects our long-standing support to the government to not merely treat, but also prevent these high rates of malnutrition and safeguard development gains.” The WFP will continue to work with the Government to enhance the national health system as part of its efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 of enhancing food security and improving nutrition in the country.