Turkey distributes food aid to hundreds in Lesotho

JOHANNESBURG

Turkey's state-run aid agency distributed food aid in Lesotho to hundreds of vulnerable families and fasting Muslims affected by the economic impact of the novel coronavirus.

"The distribution was done in four districts of Lesotho, which include, Maseru, Berea, Leribe and Botha Bothe," the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) told Anadolu Agency on Thursday.

TIKA said the food aid was meant to help fasting Muslims during the month of Ramadan as well as vulnerable non-Muslims affected by the restrictions introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19, which have stopped millions from working for several weeks.

The agency added: "We realized that the borders between South Africa and Lesotho are closed due to COVID-19 and Lesotho relies on South Africa for much of its economic activity. So, it was important for us to intervene and provide them with nutritious food parcels to help those struggling to make ends meet," Mehmet Akif Sekerci, programs coordinator for TIKA in the South African capital Pretoria, told Anadolu Agency.

He said most of the recipients were vulnerable groups including the elderly, orphans and unemployed.

Earlier this month, TIKA distributed personal protective equipment to the government of Lesotho to help them fight COVID-19.

Since its founding in 1992, TIKA has been responsible for facilitating Turkey’s official development assistance by providing help to developing countries.