Agricultural project in the Holguin municipality of Urbano Noris in collaboration with the WFP. Photo: From Ahora

WFP and UNICEF coordinate food security project in Cuba

The World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) began preparations in Cuba for a project that will contribute to the food security of children up to 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, through local systems.

Sponsored by the government of Canada, this initiative will support the nutrition of vulnerable population groups in the municipalities of Moa, Mayari, and the provincial capital of Holguin. As well as in San José de las Lajas, Bejucal, and Santa Cruz del Norte, in Mayabeque, Meylin Pacheco, WFP Policy and Program Officer in Cuba, explained to CNA.

To achieve this, the capacities of the stakeholders involved will be strengthened. Including productive forms, social protection networks, and institutions providing health and education services. To ensure availability, access, and sustainable consumption, she noted.

Among the beneficiaries are primary schools, boarding schools, maternity and children’s homes, daycare centers, and playhouses.

The project is led by the Ministry of Public Health and involves the participation of other ministries. Such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Education, Science, Technology, and Environment (Citma), and the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, among others.

Aligned with the Law on Food and Nutritional Sovereignty and Security, the government’s macro-program focused on human development, and the Mother and Child Program. The importance of its implementation lies in intersectoral coordination and the utilization of territorial potential.

Although it prioritizes comprehensive development through the creation of a balanced diet for these disadvantaged groups. It also addresses risk and vulnerability management and promotes gender equality with the support of the Federation of Cuban Women.

Sunny Guidotti, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Cuba, noted during the initial workshop that the proposed systemic approach, focused on preventing nutritional deficiency, is relevant. This approach will involve climate-resilient water and sanitation systems.

To support this work, the conditions and experiences achieved by other initiatives promoted by both organizations will be leveraged, including ¡Actúa Diferente!, Prosocial, and La Primera Infancia Mattera.

With information from CNA

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