Food Assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo - World Food Programme 2007

March 2010 - In spite of elections in 2006 and the recent peace process the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains volatile. Since August 2008 fighting between armed opposition groups and government forces in Kivu has resulted in significant displacement widespread looting sexual and gender-based violence and a deterioration of humanitarian conditions. Displaced populations often face insecurity weak health services and lack of food survival items safe water and sanitation facilities and are subject to the risk of further displacement. CIDA's contribution is helping the World Food Programme (WFP) to address the emergency food assistance needs of over 4 million beneficiaries in the DRC. Activities focus on helping to improve food access for internally displaced populations and returnees in targeted areas; protecting the livelihoods of crises-affected populations and enhancing their resilience to shocks; improving the health and nutritional status of mothers and children as well as other vulnerable groups; improving primary school enrolment and attendance by providing food support for children; and strengthening the Government's capacity to address the emergency food assistance needs of vulnerable populations.