PHNOM PENH, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Germany and World Food Programme (WFP) entered into a new partnership to support lower-income Cambodian families affected by COVID-19 and climate-related shocks, said a joint press release on Monday.
Under the partnership, Germany has committed 5 million euros, or approximately 5.86 million U.S. dollars, to provide cash assistance to vulnerable households to support their recovery, the press release said.
The COVID-19 pandemic had profound social and economic impacts on Cambodia's vulnerable population. For part of them, these negative effects have been compounded by climatic shocks such as the devastating floods of late 2020, it said.
"COVID-19 and severe flooding have only added to the challenges faced by these already vulnerable people. Reports show that many of the most vulnerable households hit by these two shocks have reduced their food consumption, sold productive assets, and taken on debt to meet basic needs," said WFP representative to Cambodia Claire Conan.
"We are pleased to be able to support those in need to meet their food and nutrition needs and support their recovery," she said.
Data from the Cambodian government will be used to identify poor households affected by the floods and COVID-19, the press release said, adding that targeted households will receive cash transfers in addition to the government's COVID-19 emergency cash transfers.
German Ambassador to Cambodia Christian Berger said this extra support will prevent vulnerable groups, including children, older persons and women, from falling further into poverty and help build up their resilience to future crises.
