Introduction
Since October 2011, WFP has been providing food assistance for the Syrian population affected by unrest in the country under the framework of Emergency Operation (EMOP) 200339. With a target of 50,000 beneficiaries at the beginning of the operation, WFP progressively scaled up its activities to reach 2.18 million people in April 2013 and 2.35 million people in May 2013.
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) has been WFP’s main partner so far. SARC currently receives approximately 300,000 family food rations each month from WFP warehouses, and distributes these to beneficiaries through their branches, sub-branches, or local charities who in turn distribute on their behalf in areas where they have no presence. By partnering with 19 national NGOs or local charities in May, an additional 200,000 families were targeted, bringing the total planned coverage for the month to 500,000 families or 2.5 million people under the General Food Distribution (GFD) activity.
A supplementary feeding programme is also implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and UNICEF. This activity started in March 2013 with the aim of preventing malnutrition among displaced children aged 6-59 months. Distribution is undertaken by MOH through health directorates that support collective centres across the country. WFP plans to reach 100,000 children between July and September of this year, and an additional 200,000 children from October to December 2013.
At this time, monthly distribution cycles are usually completed over the course of approximately one and a half months due to access constraints and extended food dispatches. The May cycle commenced on 3 May and was completed by 16 June. Food distributions take place at Final Distribution Points (FDPs) agreed upon with partners. In some cases, the number of planned FDPs exceeds the actuals based on the fluid situation. WFP undertakes direct monitoring in accessible areas covered by its national and international staff from offices located in Tartous, Qamishly, Homs and Damascus.