UN Resident Coordinator in Malawi Maria Jose Torres has hailed WFP Malawi Office for partnering with government agencies, the private sector and communities at large in addressing hunger in the country since 1965.

“It is recognition of the hard work and dedication to side with those who suffer most to realize their right to food in peace and at war. We dedicate the award to men and women in the forefront of efforts to ensure that zero hunger becomes a reality in Malawi,” said the UN Resident Coordinator.

WFP Country Director Benoit Thiry said that “despite all these gains, food insecurity is on the rise in many countries with estimation that the world has 690 million hunger stricken people.

“In Malawi more efforts are still needed to end hunger as 37% of under five children are stunted and climatic shocks are affecting smallholder farmers.”

Agriculture expert in Tamani Nkhono Mvula said that “when buying food to assist hunger stricken people, WFP should first procure it locally to support local farmers, otherwise congratulations to WFP for winning the award,” he said.