A
four-year project to reduce micro nutrition deficiencies of women and children
in The Gambia through sustainable and integrated approaches to food
fortification was launched in Brikama on Tuesday.
The
project funded by the European Union to the tune of 2.6 million euros
(equivalent to about D120 million) would be implemented by United Purpose
formerly known as Concern Universal.
The
project is designed to reduce under-nutrition and poverty, especially among
women and children in The Gambia by strengthening sustainable access to and
consumption of bio-fortified and resilient high nutrition foods.
The
overseer of the Office of the Vice President, Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang, who
launched the project, said the project was another milestone in the country’s
difficult route from the clutches of women and child malnutrition to food
security.
“It
is our belief that ensuring household and national food and nutrition security
is the core of all our dreams and will remain the same for future generations,”
she said.
Madam
Jallow-Tambajang, who is the minister of women’s affairs, called for “greater
transparency” in the implementation of the project.
“This
will engender common understanding, ensure a level playing field as well as
ease implementation of project activities,” she said.
The
governor of West Coast Region, Ebrima Mballow, said the project would
contribute significantly to the socio-economic well-being of the people of the
country.
United
Purpose, formerly Concern Universal, had implemented a plethora of projects
such as rice development schemes, vegetable production support, climate
resilience and a host of other interventions.
