New WFP Country Director Pledges Continued Support for People of Afghanistan

The people of this beleaguered nation will see more help from the world community.

Afghan man being treated by a British military doctor during an international aid operation in Kabul. Efforts like these along with the UN programs are some of the only help these extremely poor people will see. Photo by Tim King Salem-News.com

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - The new representative for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan, Stefano Porretti, has pledged to continue WFP's support for the poorest and most vulnerable members of Afghan society – especially women and children.

"I want to build on the achievements of former WFP Country Directors in continuing WFP strong commitment to assist the Government and people of Afghanistan to address their hunger and nutrition challenges even in the face of major security risks by providing food assistance to the millions of Afghan people who need help," Porretti said, adding that he would be looking to the international community to provide the support WFP needs to assist up to 9 million Afghans.

Mr. Stefano Porretti an Italian national, he holds University (Laurea) degree in Geology. He has been working for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) since 1987. He has been assigned the WFP Country Director and Representative in Afghanistan since October 2008. His previous assignments with WFP include the following posts:

WFP Representative and Country Director in Iraq, WFP Representative and Country Director in Chad, WFP Representative and Country Director in Guinea, WFP Deputy Country Director in Sudan, WFP Deputy Country Director in Burkina Faso, and WFP headquarters.

Mr. Porretti called on staff, implementing partners and donors to continue their efforts to assist Afghans on the path towards rehabilitation and recovery and for an enhanced coordination with the Government authorities.

Source: UN