Cuba asks the leadership of the UN World Food Program for help for the first time

The government of Cuba first requested help through an official communication to the management of the World Food Program (AMP) given the country’s difficulties in continuing to distribute subsidized milk to children under 7 years of age.

As confirmed by AMP to EFE, the executive direction of this branch of United Nationswhich is defined as “the largest humanitarian organization in the world”, received an official communication from Cuban government and is already sending powdered milk to the island.

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“We confirm that the AMP received an official communication from Government (Cuban) requesting support to continue the monthly delivery of 1 kilo of milk to girls and boys under 7 years old across the country“, indicated in writing the delegation of AMP on the island.

The program of UNthat recognizes a “urgent need”he emphasized “The importance of this request”, especially in the context of “deep economic crisis facing Cuba“, something that in your opinion is impacting “significantly in the food and nutritional security of the population.”

The Government did not make this request public nor the first multilateral contributions, despite having been talking about the milk shortage for weeks. EFE requested official clarification, but has so far received no response.

He bodySpecialized in “emergencies” It is “food assistance“, confirmed that “it is the first time that Cuba requests support by issuing an official communication to the highest level of management of the AMP”, although he has had projects on the island for a long time.

As EFE was able to confirm with two sources familiar with the request, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (Chopped) sent the letter to PMA executive management in Rome at the end of last year.

As a result of this letter, the PMA indicated that in February this year it was able to deliver “144 metric tons of skimmed milk powder”, benefiting almost 48 thousand girls and boys between 7 months and 3 years of age in Pinar del Rio and Havana”. This represents just 6% of the minors to whom the Government intends to provide subsidized milk.

Furthermore, according to PAM, the Cuban request “does not refer to any explicit time period” -that is, it does not ask for support for a limited period of time- that is why the multilateral organization seeks to “mobilize additional resources” from “traditional and non-traditional donors”.

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EFE was able to confirm that at least two countries, one European and one American, were contacted by the AMP. Both are analyzing their possibilities and have not yet made a decision.

Milk has been in short supply for years Cubaalthough in general children up to 7 years old (and people with special diets) could count on an amount per month through the supply booklet (ration card) to a highly subsidized price (2.5 pesos per kilogram, about 21 cents).

The availability of state-sourced milk, however, has deteriorated in recent months. Some provinces have reduced the priority population or reduced the quantities delivered, while others have begun distributing as a substitute vitamin drinks.

Given these difficulties, in Cuba It is possible to find liquid and powdered milk in some companies in the emerging private sector, but at prices that are inaccessible to the vast majority of Cubans.

Chronic economic difficulties Cuba degenerated three years ago into a serious crisis due to the pandemic, the tightening of sanctions and US decisions in the national macroeconomic, commercial and monetary policy.

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.